Nicola: How Cremonese convinced ‘hungry’ Vardy

LEICESTER, ENGLAND – MAY 18: Jamie Vardy of Leicester City gestures a thumbs up as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Leicester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at The King Power Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Cremonese coach Davide Nicola says Jamie Vardy is still a ‘hungry’ player, but the ‘enthusiasm’ is generated by the team’s results in the opening two games.

Cremonese are among the clubs at the top of the Serie A table with two victories in the opening two games.

The newly promoted Serie A side didn’t only make headlines with their results, but also with the signing of Leicester City legend Vardy on a free transfer.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport on Saturday, the Grigiorossi coach Nicola was asked whether he was excited by the hype generated by his club in recent weeks.

Nicola: Cremonese explained to Vardy what we wanted to build

“I don’t sense hype, but rather the enthusiasm of people for what we are doing,” he replied.

“The connection with our fans will be the real driving force.”

Nicola went on to explain how Cremonese convinced Vardy to make the move.

“When we realised the deal was feasible, we started explaining to him what we wanted to build,” he said.

“Feeling that kind of response and being chosen from this perspective was important. He’s still a hungry player.”

Beyond Vardy, Cremonese signed many Italian players during the summer.

“There are talents in Italy; we just need to trust and support them,” Nicola said.

Nicola: Vardy will help Cremonese defensively ‘without saying a word’

“The team was built to reach the pair up front, Vardy and Vazquez, the most experienced players. However, if they are told to stay below the ball line, they do it without saying a word.”

Lastly, Nicola shared his view on Serie A, arguing that the league’s level remains very high.

“It’s a selective tournament, different from other European leagues,” he concluded.

“Any player or coach who comes here immediately notices the complexity of Italian football, which is too often and unfairly disparaged. It’s strategic, competitive and challenging.”

Cremonese’s next Serie A game is away at Verona on September 15. The Grigiorossi will play their first home game after the break against Parma on September 21.

Vardy will be unveiled at Cremona’s iconic concert auditorium on September 10.

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper, September 6, 2025, page 30