Jamie Vardy scores early as Cremonese defeat Udinese, but the Grigiorossi remain in the relegation zone heading into the final matchday of the Serie A season.
Udinese Calcio were beaten 1-0 at home by US Cremonese, with the visitors securing a massive result in the relegation battle thanks to an early strike from veteran forward Jamie Vardy.
The victory briefly lifted Cremonese above Lecce in the live standings, but the Salentini’s dramatic stoppage-time win against Sassuolo later in the evening pushed the Grigiorossi back down to third from bottom. As a result, Cremonese will enter the final weekend sitting one point behind safety.
The decisive moment arrived almost immediately at the Bluenergy Stadium. Just nine minutes into the match, Vardy found space inside the area and calmly converted to give the visitors a priceless early lead.
From that point forward, Cremonese focused on maintaining their defensive shape and protecting the advantage, while Udinese struggled to create enough quality chances to break through. The home side controlled portions of possession but rarely threatened seriously in the final third.
Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero and the defensive trio of Terracciano, Bianchetti, and Luperto delivered a disciplined performance to preserve the clean sheet, while Udinese lacked creativity and attacking sharpness throughout the evening.
The final whistle confirmed a vital three points for Cremonese, keeping their survival hopes alive heading into Matchday 38, where the relegation race is set for a dramatic conclusion.
Match Report
Udinese 0-1 Cremonese
Scorers:
9’ Vardy (Cremonese)
Udinese (3-5-2)
Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele (46’ Bertola), Solet; Arizala (61’ Zemura), Miller (71’ Bayo), Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara (79’ Camara); Davis (71’ Davis), Buksa.
Head Coach: Udinese staff not provided.
Cremonese (3-5-2)
Audero; Terracciano, Bianchetti, Luperto; Barbieri (60’ Floriani Mussolini), Thorsby (82’ Vandeputte), Grassi, Maleh (82’ Collocolo), Pezzella; Bonazzoli (60’ Okereke), Vardy.
Head Coach: Cremonese staff not provided.
Referee: Manganiello
Yellow Cards: Bonazzoli, Barbieri, Kamara
Red Cards: None
