Jamie Vardy described his first home start for Cremonese as a “special feeling” but admitted frustration after being held to a 1-1 draw by Udinese. The former Leicester City striker, who completed a shock move to Italy this summer, came close to scoring in a lively full debut but couldn’t prevent his side from dropping points at Stadio Giovanni Zini.
Vardy’s full Cremonese debut ends in frustration
The veteran English international Vardy’s first home start for Cremonese ended in mixed emotions as his new side were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Udinese in Serie A. The 38-year-old, who joined the Italian outfit on a free transfer after ending his legendary 13-year spell with Leicester City, played the full 90 minutes and showed flashes of his trademark energy and movement despite not finding the net.
Cremonese made an electric start at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Filippo Terracciano’s header from a well-worked set piece. However, Udinese hit back early in the second half when Nicolo Zaniolo levelled the score with a powerful header. Despite several late chances, including two near misses from Vardy himself, the hosts were unable to reclaim the lead.
The draw leaves Cremonese mid-table after seven league games, boasting two wins, four draws, and just one defeat,a promising start for a team newly promoted to Serie A. But for Vardy, the night was tinged with disappointment after missing two clear chances to secure all three points in front of an excited home crowd.
AdvertisementVardy admits 'special feeling' but rues result
After the final whistle, Vardy took to Instagram to express both pride and also disappointment following his first start in Italy. “A special feeling to make my home debut last night. Another point on the board but I really wish it could have been more,” he wrote, reflecting on a night that could have easily ended in triumph.
It was a performance that encapsulated the spirit that made Vardy one of English football’s great late bloomers, tireless running, sharp instincts, and relentless determination. He may have had the fewest touches of any outfield player to complete the match, but his work rate and pressing caused problems for Udinese’s back line throughout.
Playing alongside Federico Bonazzoli in a two-striker setup, Vardy was tasked with leading the line for Davide Nicola’s side, and despite the lack of goals.
A new chapter after Leicester legacy
Vardy’s journey to Cremonese has been one of the most surprising moves of the summer. After scoring 200 goals in 500 appearances for Leicester City, including a fairy tale Premier League title in 2016, he opted to leave the Foxes following their relegation to the Championship.
The veteran forward was linked with several clubs across England and Europe, including Brentford, West Ham, Celtic, Wrexham and even Manchester United, before ultimately choosing to take on a new challenge in northern Italy. The deal, a one-year contract with the option to extend if Cremonese avoid relegation, gives both parties a fresh opportunity to write another chapter in their respective stories.
In Cremonese, he’s found a club that mirrors some of that underdog spirit, newly promoted, full of fight, and aiming to defy the odds once more.
Getty Images SportWhat’s next for Vardy and Cremonese?
Cremonese’s next challenge comes at home against Atalanta this weekend, where Vardy will be eager to get off the mark in Serie A. Vardy’s continued integration will be key to their survival hopes. His experience in high-pressure games could prove invaluable in guiding Cremonese through the winter fixtures, particularly as they prepare for back-to-back clashes against Juventus, Roma and Napoli in December.
For the English striker, the coming weeks present a chance to turn promise into productivity, and if his debut is any indication, Vardy’s trademark resilience and hunger remain very much alive, and Italy might just witness another chapter of his impressive career.