Italian Media Make Their Feelings Clear on Jamie Vardy After First Cremonese Start

The Italian press have spoken out after Jamie Vardy was handed his full debut for Serie A side Cremonese.

After 13 years of service, Premier League legend Vardy confirmed that he would be leaving Leicester City, leading to wild speculation regarding his future.

Despite the fact that he is now 38 years old, the Englishman announced that he would not yet be retiring and was linked with various clubs including the likes of Wrexham, Leeds United and several Major League Soccer clubs.

Eventually, Vardy completed a move to join Italian Serie A club Cremonese on a free transfer, signing a one-year contract with the option of a further year should the newly-promoted club avoid relegation.

On Monday night, the Italian side gave Vardy his first start for his new club, and the media have spoken out to have their say on his performance.

Jamie Vardy was handed his first Serie A start on Monday. (Image: Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

Two weeks after joining Cremonese, Vardy made his club debut as he came off the bench during the 0-0 Serie A draw with Hellas Verona.

A minor injury ruled the Englishman out of a couple of matches before he returned as a substitue in the 4-1 loss to Inter Milan, before being given his first start on Monday night.

Cremonese started the game perfectly as it took less than four minutes for defender Filippo Terracciano to find the opener against Udinese, but a goal from Nicolo Zaniolo saw the game finish as a 1-1 draw.

Frustratingly for Vardy, he had an opportunity to seal a win for Cremonese in injury time, but saw his shot take a deflection and go behind for a corner kick.

Reacting to his performance, Italian outlet Football Italia were largely positive, writing: "Vardy’s most valuable contribution of the game was his run that earned Cremonese a free-kick right on the edge of the area just over 10 minutes from time."

Vardy had the chance to win the game for Cremonese in the final moments. (Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Meanwhile Gazetta called for the former Leicester City striker to be 'reviewed' following his first start for his new club.

In another report, the outlet praised the Italian side for their resilience, despite being let down by Vardy, writing: "Cremonese tries until the end, hitting the woodwork twice and being betrayed by their English striker, who misses two goals in front of Okoye.

"Vardy, however, is lively alongside Bonazzoli."