Cremonese manager Davide Nicola has stated that veteran striker Jamie Vardy has made significant physical progress and is now prepared for increased playing time, starting with the upcoming Serie A clash against Inter at San Siro.
Cremonese currently holds an impressive unbeaten record in their initial five Serie A fixtures this season as they gear up to face Inter at the revered Stadio Meazza.
Notably, this will not be their first success at the iconic venue this season; Cremonese previously secured a victory there by defeating Inter`s city rivals, AC Milan, on the opening matchday.
During a Friday press conference, Nicola lauded Inter, describing them as a team that excels comprehensively across all aspects of the game: possession, pressing between the lines, defensive tracking, and potent counter-attacks. He underscored the significance of the match against `the best` as a crucial learning opportunity, allowing his team to gauge their own potential and understand the exacting standards required to maintain a top-tier performance.
So far this season, Vardy has made only one Serie A appearance. He was sidelined for one game due to a minor injury and remained an unused substitute in last week`s 1-1 draw against Como.
Nicola Praises Vardy`s “Big Steps Forward”
COMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: US Cremonese coach Davide Nicola looks on during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Nicola confirmed that both Vardy and Sarmiento have made considerable progress and will be included in the squad for the Inter game. While acknowledging Payero`s improving consistency, he advised caution against rushing him back too quickly. “Everyone is improving,” Nicola stated, “but we require patience to ensure all players are fully fit and can be effectively integrated, whether they start or come off the bench.”
Vardy Set for Increased Minutes at Cremonese
VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese looks on during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and US Cremonese at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on September 15, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
The Cremonese coach elaborated on his squad management: “Up until now, we`ve primarily fielded players who were in peak physical condition. Vardy was already being integrated before he suffered a minor physical setback; now, he will definitely receive more playing time.” Discussing his attacking options, he added: “Bonazzoli has been a consistent presence, while Johnsen offers a distinct skill set compared to the versatile Vazquez. We are currently deploying strikers who provide consistency and help us build our game, while progressively integrating those who have had fewer minutes. As soon as every player is fully fit for a complete 90 minutes, we will be able to explore new tactical solutions. My fundamental duty as coach is to ensure the collective quality of our players is maximized.”
For their journey to San Siro, Cremonese will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Emil Audero, who sustained an injury during the warm-up session of last week`s away match against Como.
Nicola confirmed Audero`s absence, noting, “It’s not a significant issue, and he was wise to recognize the problem and stop playing promptly.”
Meanwhile, Inter will also contend with a key absentee as injured striker Marcus Thuram is unavailable. Consequently, captain Lautaro Martinez is expected to lead the Nerazzurri attack, potentially partnered by either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito.
