Vardy Bags First Serie A Brace as Cremonese Shock High-Flying Bologna

Jamie Vardy rolled back the years on Monday night, scoring his first Serie A brace as Cremonese secured an impressive 3–1 victory away to high-flying Bologna. The 38-year-old striker delivered two poacher’s finishes in a rain-soaked contest at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, continuing his remarkable late-career chapter in Italian football.

Promoted Cremonese, who moved up to 11th on 17 points, inflicted Bologna’s first home defeat of the season and halted their own three-match losing run. Victory denied Bologna the chance to close to within one point of joint leaders AC Milan and Napoli, as Vardy stole the spotlight with a vintage display.

Speaking after the match, Vardy joked about the conditions, saying:

“I think we were just missing a bit of rain — it felt like a typical midweek in the UK. The most important thing was getting the three points and keeping that progress going. It’s another step in the right direction.
It’s all about commitment and wanting what’s best for the club.”

Clinical Vardy punishes Bologna

Cremonese were already ahead thanks to a 31st-minute strike from Martín Payero when Vardy struck five minutes later with the first of two almost identical goals. Released through on goal by Federico Bonazzoli, the former Leicester City and England forward calmly slotted his finish between the legs of goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia.

Bologna briefly reignited hope in first-half stoppage time, with Riccardo Orsolini converting a penalty to reduce the deficit.

But Vardy restored Cremonese’s two-goal cushion just four minutes after the restart. Darting ahead of Ravaglia, he met Tommaso Barbieri’s first-time delivery to claim his fourth goal in nine league appearances.

‘A privilege to coach him,’ says Nicola

Cremonese manager Davide Nicola praised Vardy’s impact on and off the pitch, describing it as “a privilege” to work with him.

“Great players are simple to manage — they know exactly what to do and how to do it. They stand out not only for their technical qualities but also for their mentality and behaviour,” Nicola said.
“Jamie is comfortable with who he is, he’s good-humoured, and he came here with the mindset of contributing fully to the team.”

Vardy joined Cremonese in September on a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season should the club retain their Serie A status. The striker has spoken openly about embracing a new challenge and immersing himself in a football culture he has long admired.

Backed by billionaire steel magnate Giovanni Arvedi, Cremonese now appear to have rediscovered momentum — helped in no small part by their veteran English talisman.