Vardy's inaugural Serie A brace propels Cremonese to victory over in-form Bologna

Jamie Vardy netted his debut brace in Serie A during Monday's match, securing a remarkable 3-1 triumph for Cremonese against Bologna, as the experienced striker advanced his unexpected journey in Italian football.

The ex-Leicester City and England striker evoked memories of his peak form with a pair of quintessential poacher's strikes around the interval, enabling the newly promoted Cremonese, sitting 11th with 17 points, to hand their ambitious rivals their initial home loss of the campaign.

A victory for Bologna might have positioned them just one point adrift of frontrunners AC Milan and Napoli, yet it was the 38-year-old Vardy who claimed the spotlight on a rainy Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

"We seemed to lack only a touch of precipitation, reminiscent of a standard weekday back in the UK," Vardy quipped following Cremonese's halt to a trio of consecutive defeats.

"Securing those three points holds utmost importance, sustaining our momentum, marking yet another positive stride.

"It revolves around dedication and pursuing the club's optimal outcomes. The entire group aligns on this vision, collectively striving to ensure the season concludes triumphantly."

Cremonese had already taken the lead via Martin Payero's effort in the 31st minute, before Vardy added his first goal shortly after, replicating a strikingly similar finish.

Federico Bonazzoli threaded a pass to send Vardy clear, and he composedly slotted the ball between Federico Ravaglia's legs.

Bologna believed they had revived their hopes when Riccardo Orsolini converted a penalty with assurance right before the halftime whistle.

However, Vardy struck again merely four minutes into the second period, stealing in front of Ravaglia to connect with Tomasso Barbieri's swift delivery, elevating his Cremonese tally to four goals across nine appearances.

Post-match, manager Davide Nicola described possessing Vardy as a "privilege".

"Handling top talents proves straightforward, as they understand their roles and execute them adeptly," Nicola remarked.

"They distinguish themselves not just through playing skills but via their mindset and conduct. 

"Such is his nature, at ease with himself, light-hearted... he arrived embodying a team-first approach."

Vardy signed with Cremonese in September on a one-year contract, featuring an extension clause contingent on top-flight survival. 

He has candidly shared his desire for a fresh chapter in a soccer environment he respects, joining Cremonese, supported by regional tycoon and steel industrialist Giovanni Arvedi.