Serie A: Vardy scores brace as Cremonese beat Bologna 3-1

Jamie Vardy struck his first brace in Serie A on Monday as Cremonese claimed a stunning 3-1 win at Bologna, with the veteran forward continuing his late-career adventure in Italy.

Former Leicester City and England frontman Vardy rolled back the years with two classic striker’s goals either side of half-time as promoted Cremonese, 11th on 17 points, inflicted a first home defeat of the season on their high-flying opponents.

Bologna would have gone a point behind the division’s leading pair, AC Milan and Napoli, with a win, but it was 38-year-old Vardy who took the glory at a wet Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

Cremonese were already leading through Martin Payero’s 31st-minute effort when Vardy struck five minutes later with a near-identical goal. Sent clean through by Federico Bonazzoli, he coolly rolled his finish through goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia’s legs.

Bologna thought they were back in the game when Riccardo Orsolini confidently scored a penalty deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

But Vardy pounced four minutes after the break, nipping ahead of Ravaglia to meet Tommaso Barbieri’s first-time pass and take his goal tally for Cremonese to four in nine matches.

Vardy joined Cremonese in September on a one-year deal with an option for another season should they manage to stay in the top flight. He has been open about his intention to experience a football culture he admires with Cremonese, who are backed by local billionaire steel magnate Giovanni Arvedi.

AFP

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