CREMONA, Italy — Jamie Vardy’s celebrated career added another remarkable chapter Sunday as the 38-year-old striker scored his first Serie A double to propel Cremonese to a stunning 3-1 victory over high-flying Bologna. In a match that defied the pre-game narrative, the newly promoted hosts outplayed their more fancied rivals, with Vardy’s clinical finishing proving the decisive difference. The win delivers a massive boost to Cremonese’s survival hopes while dealing a significant blow to Bologna’s aspirations for a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League qualification.

Vardy, a Premier League champion with Leicester City, opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a trademark predatory finish. He doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after being fouled in the area, showcasing the speed and instinct that have defined his career. Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee pulled a goal back in the 68th minute, but Cremonese’s David Okereke sealed the victory with a late breakaway goal in stoppage time, sending the Stadio Giovanni Zini into raptures.

A Vintage Vardy Performance

The match was a showcase of the qualities that have made Vardy a global star. His first goal was a classic example of his game: latching onto a through ball, using his pace to burst past the last defender, and finishing coolly past Bologna goalkeeper Łukasz Skorupski. For his second, he was brought down after a clever run into the box and calmly converted the ensuing penalty.

“You can see the experience and quality he brings,” Cremonese manager Andrea Ballardini said after the match. “He is not just a goal scorer; his movement and work rate lift the entire team. Today, he was decisive.” Vardy’s brace takes his Serie A tally to eight goals for the season, making him Cremonese’s top scorer and a talismanic figure in their fight against relegation.

Context of a Season-Defining Upset

The result is a major shock within the context of the Serie A season. Bologna, managed by Thiago Motta, entered the match sitting fourth in the table, having lost just twice in their previous 15 league games. They are in the thick of a historic battle to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the modern era.

Cremonese, in stark contrast, is embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Promoted last season, they have found life in the top flight difficult. This victory, one of their most impressive of the campaign, moves them out of the immediate relegation zone and provides a priceless injection of belief. “We knew we had to be perfect today, and we nearly were,” Ballardini added. “To beat a team of Bologna’s quality in this manner shows what we are capable of.”

Tactical Battles and Key Moments

Cremonese’s game plan was executed flawlessly. They ceded possession to Bologna but remained compact and disciplined defensively, looking to hit quickly on the counter-attack—a strategy perfectly suited to Vardy’s strengths. Bologna, missing the creativity of the suspended Lewis Ferguson, struggled to break down the resolute Cremonese defense for large periods.

The pivotal moment came with Vardy’s penalty, which restored Cremonese’s two-goal cushion just as Bologna was beginning to apply sustained pressure. Bologna’s goal from Zirkzee provided a brief spark, but the team’s late push for an equalizer left them exposed at the back, allowing Okereke to clinch the game on a swift counter in the 91st minute.

Implications for Both Clubs

For Bologna, this is a costly stumble in a tightly contested race. With rivals like Roma, Atalanta, and Napoli close behind, dropped points against a relegation-threatened team could prove decisive in May. Manager Thiago Motta acknowledged the setback. “We did not perform to our standard today,” Motta said. “Cremonese deserved the victory. We must learn from this and respond immediately.”

For Cremonese, the victory is a potential turning point. The spirit and tactical intelligence displayed, led by their veteran English striker, provide a blueprint for survival. The win lifts them to 16th place, one point clear of the relegation zone. The momentum gained from defeating a top-four contender will be invaluable as they face a critical run of fixtures against fellow strugglers.

Vardy’s impactful performance reaffirms his status as a unique force in football—a player whose career continues to defy expectations and age. For Cremonese, his goals may prove to be the foundation of their Serie A survival.