CREMONA - A convincing victory for US Cremonese over Padova, a 3-1 home win that boosts the grey-and-reds' Serie B ambitions. A brace from Federico Bonazzoli and a goal from Adin Ličina decided the match, with goalkeeper Agazzi making key saves.

The player ratings confirm the collective solidity. In goal, Agazzi earned a 7 for his safe exits and the personality he showed. The defence was compact: Vogliacco, Bianchetti and Luperto all deserved a 6.5 for their attentiveness and timing in tackles, while Rocchetti received a 6 in a still positive performance.

In midfield, Gerli and Pontisso (both 6.5) dictated the tempo with physicality and vision. Berti and Vandeputte got a 7: the former ran for ninety minutes with precise vertical passes, the latter was unstoppable in the first half, creating the main dangers.

The decisive duo shone in attack. Adin Ličina, with a 7.5, scored a goal and provided an assist, confirming the impression from his first two matches in grey-and-red. "Taking the ball off him is a near-impossible mission," was said of him. Federico Bonazzoli, also at 7.5, scored two goals as a true offensive reference. "As an offensive reference he guarantees greater presence in the opponent's area," his performance was highlighted.

The success against Padova took the grey-and-reds to 4 points in the standings, placing them 15th. Bonazzoli is the top scorer this season with 3 goals in 4 appearances. The team now looks ahead to the next away fixture against Hellas Verona, scheduled for 19 December, to continue climbing the table. All upcoming fixtures can be checked on the matches page, while the updated standings are available in the results.

This story first appeared at cremonasport.it

Cremonese faces Virtus Entella on Saturday, September 19 at the Stadio Giovanni Zini. The grey-red club comes from a 2-2 draw away at Cesena. In that match, Michele Collocolo and Federico Bonazzoli scored the equalizing goals. Bonazzoli remains the top scorer this season with 3 goals. The team approaches the match with a record of 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses in their last five games.