Serie A | Cremonese 1-1 Udinese – Vardy denied on full debut

Jamie Vardy had an opportunity to win it right at the last for Cremonese, who ultimately had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Udinese in Serie A on Monday evening, following goals from Fillippo Terracciano and Nicolo Zaniolo.

Vardy was named in the Cremonese starting line-up for the first time, marking his full Serie A debut alongside Federico Bonazzoli in attack. There were six Cremonese changes in total following their 4-1 defeat by Inter prior to the international break. Udinese made three alterations, including a start for Vakoun Bayo in place of Keinan Davis. 

It took less than four minutes for the Grigiorossi to find the opener against Udinese. Jari Vandeputte sent in a wicked delivery from a free-kick off the left flank, which was met by the head of Milan loanee Terracciano, the defender’s second goal of the season. 

Vandeputte was involved again as Cremonese struck the woodwork after a half hour. He put in a brilliant sliding challenge to prevent an Udinese counter-attack, sprung an attacking move of his own down the left flank, and his cross was perfectly played to the feet of Federico Bonazzoli, who smashed his effort onto the crossbar. 

Zaniolo ensured that the visitors drew level five minutes into the second half. Alessandro Zanoli’s cross in from the right flank was well-placed, finding an unmarked Zaniolo at the far post for his first Serie A goal of the season. 

Vardy’s most valuable contribution of the game was his run that earned Cremonese a free-kick right on the edge of the area just over 10 minutes from time. 

He beat Christian Kabasele for pace, got one step in front of his man and went down when he felt the contact on his back. Franco Vasquez struck the outside of the post from the resulting free-kick. 

Vardy had an opportunity to nick all three points for Cremonese in injury time: He was slipped into the area by Jeremy Sarmiento, did well to cut back inside, but saw his shot take a deflection off Kabasele and go behind for a corner.

Terracciano (C) 4’, Zaniolo (U).