Serie A: Cremonese and Cagliari Draw 2-2 as I Sardi Spoil Vardy’s Celebration

Cagliari and Cremonese faced off in a thrilling Serie A clash that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match, held at Stadio Giovanni Zini in Cremona on January 8, 2026, showcased intense moments, including late goals and VAR involvement.

Early Dominance by Cremonese

Cremonese took control early in the match. In just four minutes, Dennis Johnsen capitalized on a loose ball, scoring to give his team a 1-0 lead. Just before the half-hour mark, Jamie Vardy showcased his skills by racing through and scoring a second goal, extending the lead to 2-0.

Cagliari’s Response

Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Cagliari remained determined. They had promising chances in the first half, particularly through headers from Gennaro Borrelli and Juan Rodriguez. However, Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero was resolute, keeping the hosts scoreless at halftime.

Second Half Turnaround

The dynamics of the game shifted in the second half. Michel Adopo scored just six minutes after the break, narrowing the gap to 2-1 with a precise shot from the edge of the area. Cagliari, invigorated by this goal, increased their efforts.

Last-Minute Equalizer

Substitutions by Cagliari’s coach Fabio Pisacane added urgency to their attack. The equalizer finally came in the 88th minute. Substitute Yael Trepy unleashed a spectacular long-range strike into the left corner, leveling the score at 2-2.

VAR Drama and Final Whistle

As stoppage time approached, more drama unfolded. Sebastiano Luperto of Cagliari was initially shown a red card, but VAR intervened to change it to a yellow, preserving the team’s complete squad on the pitch. The match concluded with a near miss from Jari Vandeputte of Cremonese, whose shot went wide.

Match Summary

• Date: January 8, 2026
• Location: Stadio Giovanni Zini, Cremona
• Final Score: Cremonese 2 – 2 Cagliari
• Goals:
  • D. Johnsen (Cremonese) – 4 minutes
  • J. Vardy (Cremonese) – 29 minutes
  • M. Adopo (Cagliari) – 51 minutes
  • Y. Trepy (Cagliari) – 88 minutes

This match left both teams reflecting on missed opportunities, yet it highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of Cagliari in the face of adversity. The draw provides a valuable point for both sides in their Serie A campaigns.