Cremonese earned a massive three points on the road after defeating Bologna 3–1 in their Serie A 2025/26 clash on Tuesday (December 2, 2025). The win was fueled by the ruthlessness of Jamie Vardy—who delivered a brilliant brace—and the heroic performance of Indonesia national team goalkeeper Emil Audero, who produced one of the best displays of his career.

The match at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara marked Week 13 of the Italian top flight, and it was anything but simple for Davide Nicola’s side. Bologna controlled possession and produced wave after wave of attacks, yet Cremonese’s efficiency in front of goal and Audero’s brilliance made the difference.

La Cremo struck through Martín Payero and two goals from the evergreen Vardy, while Bologna’s only response came from a Riccardo Orsolini penalty.
The result pushes Cremonese to 11th place with 17 points from 13 matches, while Bologna remain sixth with 24 points—missing a golden chance to break into the top four.

First Half: Bologna Dominate Early, but Cremonese Strike Twice

The first half exploded into action as Bologna nearly opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. Riccardo Orsolini’s powerful strike smashed against the left post, sending an early warning to the visitors.

Just moments later, Benjamin Domínguez tested Audero from close range, but the Indonesian goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to parry the shot away. Bologna continued to attack relentlessly, including a dangerous effort from Santiago Castro in the 11th minute—again denied by Audero’s lightning-fast reflexes.

Despite being under pressure, Cremonese found their breakthrough in the 31st minute.
Martín Payero unleashed a long-range strike into the bottom-right corner, a stunning goal completely against the run of play.

Only four minutes later, the momentum shifted even further. Jamie Vardy, showing that age is merely a number at 38 years old, finished Federico Bonazzoli’s low pass with trademark precision, doubling Cremonese’s advantage.

Bologna pushed back through set-pieces and half-chances from defender Casale, but nothing hit the target.
Just before halftime, the hosts were gifted a lifeline when Matteo Bianchetti handled the ball inside the box. Orsolini stepped up and converted the penalty with confidence, reducing the deficit to 1–2 heading into the break.

Second Half: Vardy Strikes Again and Audero Becomes Unstoppable

The second half had barely begun when Cremonese delivered another blow.
In the 50th minute, Tommaso Barbieri delivered a teasing cross, and Jamie Vardy darted past his marker to fire home his second goal of the match—classic predatory instinct from the veteran striker.

The 3–1 scoreline visibly rattled Bologna. They attempted to respond with Orsolini’s looping header, but it sailed over the bar. Cremonese, meanwhile, continued to threaten through Terracciano and Payero, though this time Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia produced two vital saves to keep his side alive.

But all eyes were on Emil Audero as he repeatedly denied Bologna’s attempts to mount a comeback:

On 71 minutes, he spectacularly tipped Orsolini’s curling effort over the crossbar.
Minutes later, Jhon Lucumí powered a header on target—again saved by Audero’s firm hands.
In the 83rd minute, Castro fired a low shot toward the bottom corner, but Audero stretched brilliantly to push it wide.
Deep into stoppage time, Tommaso Pobega tried his luck from distance, only for Audero to produce one final acrobatic save.

When the final whistle blew, Cremonese celebrated a sensational 3–1 victory—built on Vardy’s finishing and Audero’s world-class goalkeeping.

Match Statistics: Bologna vs Cremonese

Possession

Bologna: 65%
Cremonese: 35%

Expected Goals (xG)

Bologna: 2.79
Cremonese: 2.25

Total Shots

Bologna: 29
Cremonese: 10

Shots on Target

Bologna: 7
Cremonese: 5

Accurate Passes

Bologna: 387 (83%)
Cremonese: 149 (60%)

Fouls

Bologna: 13
Cremonese: 12

Corners

Bologna: 13
Cremonese: 8

Despite Bologna’s overwhelming dominance in possession and shot volume, Audero’s brilliance ensured Cremonese walked away with the spoils.

Jamie Vardy & Emil Audero: Two Heroes Behind the Victory

Jamie Vardy — Ageless and Ruthless

At 38 years old, Jamie Vardy defied expectations with his sharp movement and elite finishing.
His first goal came from clever positioning to break free from his marker, while his second showcased his burst of speed and perfect timing to meet Barbieri’s cross.

With a FotMob rating of 8.8, Vardy was the highest-rated outfield player on the pitch.

Emil Audero — The Wall from Indonesia

Emil Audero produced seven crucial saves, each one more impressive than the last.
His reflexes, anticipation, and commanding presence frustrated Bologna from start to finish.

The only goal he conceded was from the penalty spot—an effort no goalkeeper could be blamed for.
Audero earned a FotMob rating of 8.1, firmly establishing himself as Cremonese’s match-winner.

Starting Lineups

Bologna (Manager: Vincenzo Italiano)

Ravaglia; Zortea, Casale, Lucumí, Miranda; Pobega, Moro; Orsolini, Odgaard, Domínguez; Castro

Cremonese (Manager: Davide Nicola)

Audero; Terracciano, Baschirotto, Bianchetti, Pezzella; Vandeputte, Payero, Bondo; Barbieri, Bonazzoli; Vardy

Conclusion

Cremonese’s 3–1 victory over Bologna showcased a perfect blend of:

clinical attacking through Jamie Vardy,
heroic defending through Emil Audero,
and disciplined tactical execution.

Despite being outplayed in possession and shots, La Cremo proved that efficiency—and a brilliant goalkeeper—can change everything in Serie A.

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