Every now and then, football throws up a result that just makes you sit up and take notice. Monday's clash between Bologna and Cremonese was one of those moments. On paper, it looked like a straightforward affair: a high-flying Bologna side on a massive 12-game unbeaten streak, hosting a Cremonese team that had lost their last three. But football, as we know, isn't played on paper. What unfolded at a wet Stadio Renato Dall'Ara was a classic underdog story, with a familiar, relentless hero at its heart: the one and only Jamie Vardy.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Jamie Vardy scored his first-ever double in Serie A for his new club, Cremonese.
- ✓ The 3-1 loss was a shock for Bologna, ending their impressive 12-match unbeaten run.
- ✓ This was Bologna's first home defeat of the season and the first time they conceded three goals in a game.
- ✓ The win lifted Cremonese two places up the table to 11th, ending their own three-match losing streak.
- ✓ Vardy's brilliant performance came just a week after he was reportedly the victim of a major robbery at his home.
The Streak Comes to a Grinding Halt
Let's set the scene. Bologna, managed by Vincenzo Italiano, were absolutely cruising. A win would have put them just a single point behind the league leaders, AC Milan and Napoli. They hadn't lost at home all season. Their opponents, Cremonese, had been leaking goals, losing their last three games by a combined score of 6-2. The script seemed pre-written, but Cremonese clearly hadn't read it.
It was the visitors who came out swinging. Around the half-hour mark, they landed the first blow. A poised through ball from Matteo Bianchetti found MartÃn Payero, who finished with an assurance that gave the goalkeeper absolutely no chance. The home crowd was stunned, but things were about to get a whole lot worse for them. Just four minutes later, the main man got in on the act.
A Glimmer of Hope Extinguished
Federico Bonazzoli threaded a pass that completely undid Bologna’s "leaden back four," and there was Jamie Vardy, doing what he's done his entire career. He timed his run perfectly, got in behind, and coolly slotted the ball home to make it 2-0. For a moment, it looked like Bologna might claw their way back when Riccardo Orsolini converted a penalty right on the stroke of halftime. The home side went into the break with a lifeline.
But that hope was short-lived. Five minutes into the second half, Vardy struck again. This time, it was a pure poacher's goal. He stole in at the near post, getting on the end of an inviting cross from the right to tap the ball in and restore Cremonese's two-goal cushion. At 3-1, the game was effectively over, and Bologna’s incredible run was finished.
Vardy's Remarkable Resilience
You really can't talk about this match without focusing on the 38-year-old striker. This performance was uplifting for him on a personal level, especially considering the circumstances. It was reported last week that while he was away playing a league game in Rome, thieves broke into his home near Lake Garda and stole valuables worth around £80,000. To bounce back from something so violating with a match-winning performance speaks volumes about his character and mental fortitude.
After the game, Vardy’s comments were classic, down-to-earth Vardy. "I think we were just missing a bit of rain - this is a typical midweek in the UK," he joked. But he quickly turned serious, adding, "The most important thing was getting the three points and keeping that progress going. It's another step in the right direction." It’s clear he’s fully invested in his new challenge in Italy.
The Manager's Perspective
Cremonese manager Davide Nicola couldn't have been more complimentary about his star signing. "Great players are easy to handle as they know what they're supposed to do - and they know how to do it," Nicola explained. He praised Vardy's spirit and behavior, noting, "He came here with the mentality of making himself available for the team." That's the kind of leadership that can transform a team's season.
The former Leicester City legend, who scored an incredible 200 goals for the Foxes and led them to a fairytale Premier League title, joined Cremonese in September on a free transfer. He's already netted four goals in nine matches for the promoted side, proving that class is permanent. His one-year contract, with an option for another year if they avoid relegation, looks like one of the smartest pieces of business in Serie A this season.
A Tale of Two Goalkeepers
If you only looked at the in-depth match stats, you'd probably assume Bologna won comfortably. They had 29 shots, 57 touches inside the opposition box, and 13 corners. In contrast, Cremonese managed just 10 shots and 16 touches in Bologna's box. The home side dominated the ball with over 65% possession and completed 468 passes to Cremonese's 250.
So, what was the difference-maker, aside from Vardy's brilliance? A huge part of the story was the goalkeeping. While Bologna peppered the goal, Cremonese's keeper, Emil Audero, was a wall, making an incredible 7 saves. At the other end, Bologna's Federico Ravaglia made only 2. It was a perfect lesson in tactical discipline and clinical finishing from Cremonese, who simply took their chances when they came.
Conclusion
In the end, this was a night that belonged to Jamie Vardy and a resilient Cremonese side. They didn't just win; they did it by ending a formidable unbeaten streak on enemy turf. For Bologna, it’s a shocking wake-up call and a reminder of how tough Serie A can be. For Cremonese, it's a massive three points that could very well be the catalyst that turns their season around. And for Vardy, it was just another chapter in a career defined by defying the odds and proving everyone wrong.
