Series A
6:45 p.mMay 17, 2026
Regular season – 37
Blueenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli
Referee: Gianluca Manganiello, Italy
Udinese
Cremonese
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.30
Expected Goals (xG)
0.49
Passing by
448 (87%)
Accurate passes
214 (71%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
40
G
Maduka Okoye
6.6
28
d
Oumar Solet
7.5
27
d
Christian Kabasele
6.0
31
d
Thomas Kristensen
7.2
M
Hassane Kamara
66′
14
M
Arthur Atta
6.3
8
M
Jesper Karlström (C)
6.6
38
M
Lennon Miller
6.7
20
M
Juan Arizala
6.2
9
F
Keinan Davis
6.6
18
F
Adam Buksa
6.5
1
G
Emil Audero
7.0
5
d
Sebastian Luperto
6.7
15
d
Matteo Bianchetti (C)
6.9
24
d
Filippo Terracciano
6.9
3
M
Giuseppe Pezzella
6.7
29
M
Youssef Maleh
6.7
M
Alberto Grassi
90+1′ missing
2
M
Morten Thorsby
6.6
M
Tommaso Barbieri
55′ HoldingF
Federico Bonazzoli
51′ Stumbled
Serie A classification – Serie A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Promotion – Conference League (ranking)
- Relegation – Serie B
Jamie Vardy’s ninth-minute goal was decisive as the Cremonese secured a crucial 1-0 win at Udinese, dealing a major blow to the home side’s European ambitions.
Udinese came into the match sitting tenth in Serie A with 50 points from 35 games. Cremonese, meanwhile, were in 18th place with just 31 points, desperately fighting to avoid relegation. The visitors arrived at the Blueenergy Stadium needing a result to keep their survival hopes alive.
Cremonese struck with devastating speed. Just nine minutes into the game, Jamie Vardy found the back of the net, giving the away side an early lead. The goal sent shockwaves through the stadium and set the tone for what would become a hotly contested affair.
Udinese controlled possession throughout the opening period, dominating the ball with 63 percent of the game. However, the home side have struggled to convert their territorial advantage into clear-cut chances. They only managed two shots on goal in the first half, without being able to disturb the Cremona defense with consistency.
The home side repeatedly went forward but lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a well-organised away defence. Oumar Solet led Udinese’s defensive efforts, while goalkeeper Emil Audero remained alert for Cremonese when needed.
At half-time, Cremonese maintained their narrow lead despite seeing less of the ball. Udinese needed to find a way in the second half if they hoped to salvage something from the game.
In the second half, Udinese stepped up their efforts. They created more chances but continued to lack precision in front of goal. Cremonese’s defense held firm, soaking up the pressure and frustrating their opponents at every turn.
Yellow cards flew as tensions rose. Fabio Bonazzoli was booked in the 51st minute, followed by Tommaso Barbieri five minutes later. Hassane Kamara was booked for Udinese in the 66th minute as the game became increasingly physical.
Udinese finished with 516 passes to Cremonese’s 302, demonstrating their dominance in possession. The hosts registered nine shots in total, although only two found the net. Cremonese had seven shots with four on target, showing their efficiency.
Expected goals told a similar story. Udinese accumulated 0.3xG while Cremonese generated 0.49xG, highlighting the visitors’ clinical approach despite seeing less of the ball. Vardy’s first goal proved the difference.
The final whistle confirmed a shocking result. Cremonese’s win moves them closer to safety, while Udinese’s defeat hurts their hopes of a European place. All three points are vital for the survival of visitors with difficulties.
