How Italian media reacted to Vardy’s Serie A debut

Jamie Vardy made his Serie A debut in a 0-0 draw between Cremonese and Hellas Verona on Monday, and although he only played for 30 minutes in the second half, Italian media suggest that he was ‘useful’ for his team.

Leicester City legend Vardy made his Serie A debut on Monday in Cremonese’s away draw at Hellas Verona, which left the Grigiorossi unbeaten in the opening three league games.

Vardy made his Serie A debut coming off the bench in the second half, and even if he didn’t have many chances to score, Italian media gave the experienced English striker positive ratings.

Vardy ratings and comments after Serie A debut

Vardy was introduced at minute 58, and the most reputable Italian media outlets, including Gazzetta and Sky Sport Italia, rated Vardy 6/10.

“He touched a few balls, but managed to make himself useful in the final minutes,” wrote the Pink Paper.

Cuoregrigiorosso.com, a local website covering all things Cremonese daily, also rated Vardy 6/10.

“A good half hour for the big signing of the Grigiorossi’s transfer market, who introduced himself with a back-keep pass for Sanabria,” they wrote.

“There weren’t many playable balls, but he still proved to be useful for the team: whenever he had the ball at his feet, he always did the right things.”

Cremonese still unbeaten in 2025-26 Serie A

Vardy officially joined Cremonese on a free transfer on deadline day, signing a one-year contract with an option to extend to 2027 if Cremonese secure Serie A survival.

The newly promoted Serie A side have collected seven points in three Serie A games this season, and their goalkeeper Emil Audero was instrumental to Monday’s 0-0 draw against Verona with several key saves that earned him the MOTM Award.