Vardy shines brightly as Cremonese beat Udinese and keep survival hopes alive until the last matchday

Cremonese entered the match with unusual momentum after overpowering Pisa 3 0 the previous week and they used that to launch a quick start here.

The away side created several chances before taking the lead in the ninth minute thanks to the timeless Jamie Vardy who kept his cool to tap in the rebound after Maduka Okoye pushed away Federico Bonazzolis attempt his way.

This represented the 39 year olds second opening goal in back to back matches and the fourth of his most recent five strikes that arrived inside 35 minutes.

A lethargic Udinese never truly ignited during the opening period and their woes deepened when a penalty given for a foul by Sebastiano Luperto on Christian Kabasele was cancelled by VAR owing to an offside in the approach.

Though the hosts could scarcely have looked poorer they returned after the interval with fresh drive and even if clear opportunities remained scarce Cremoneses defence seemed shaky in protecting their slim one goal margin.

Udineses revival attempts took a major hit when Hassane Kamara got a red card for a high tackle on Jamie Vardy after arriving second in a 50 50 duel yet the hosts earned a reprieve as the ruling was overturned fast and a yellow shown instead.

Marco Giampaolos players settled thereafter and escaped another fright when Adam Buksas apparent leveller was ruled out for multiple fouls in the preceding moments.

Oumar Solets effort from distance required late intervention from Emil Audero confirming Cremonese clung on for a first Serie A victory over Udinese in head to head terms in 41 years but a late Lecce winner versus Sassuolo leaves them one point from safety going into their final day clash with Champions League chasers Como.

Udinese meanwhile blew the chance to move above Lazio and have now claimed victory in just three of their 10 home fixtures this season against lower placed opponents.