Cremonese Shatters Bologna’s Unbeaten Streak with Vardy’s Historic Performance

BOLOGNA, Italy — Bologna’s impressive 12-match unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end on Monday, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Cremonese. Jamie Vardy marked the occasion by scoring his first double in Serie A.

The match presented a stark contrast, with a Bologna side that had not lost in 12 games facing a Cremonese team that had endured three consecutive defeats, conceding a total of six goals during that stretch.

Cremonese took an early lead after half an hour when a precise through ball from Matteo Bianchetti set Martín Payero on goal, allowing him to finish confidently and leave the goalkeeper with no chance.

Just four minutes later, Vardy doubled the advantage for Cremonese, replicating Payero’s goal with a well-placed finish after receiving a pass from Federico Bonazzoli that exploited a slow Bologna defense.

Bologna managed to pull a goal back just before halftime through Riccardo Orsolini, who converted a penalty. However, Vardy quickly restored Cremonese’s two-goal lead five minutes into the second half, tapping in an inviting cross from the right at the near post.

The match was particularly uplifting for Vardy, who had reportedly been the victim of a robbery just a week prior, during which £80,000 worth of valuables were taken from his home while he played a league match in Rome.

This victory was crucial for Cremonese, who, after starting the season with two wins, had only managed one victory in their subsequent matches. The result propelled them two places up to 11th in the standings, while Bologna slipped to sixth, behind Como on goal difference. Notably, this was the first time this season that Vincenzo Italiano’s team conceded three goals in a single match.