Atalanta Stay Unbeaten But Draw With Cremonese as Vardy Opens Account

Atalanta extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven games but were held to a 1-1 draw by Cremonese, whose Jamie Vardy scored his first goal for the club.

Despite being the only team still unbeaten in Serie A this season, Atalanta’s record of five draws from seven matches had shown vulnerability. Cremonese, meanwhile, continued their strong start after promotion, maintaining a comfortable position well clear of the relegation zone.

The first half was cagey, with chances at a premium. Cremonese looked dangerous early on, as Jari Vandeputte and Tommaso Barbieri tested Marco Carnesecchi in goal. Atalanta only began to assert themselves in the final 15 minutes before half-time, with Nikola Krstović forcing a save from Marco Silvestri in the 35th minute and Charles De Ketelaere following up with another effort as La Dea ended the first half on top.

After the break, Atalanta pushed forward more consistently. Ademola Lookman repeatedly cut inside onto his right foot, forcing last-ditch blocks from Cremonese, while Lazar Samardzic tested Silvestri twice, increasing the visitors’ tempo. Cremonese did briefly find the net, but Vardy was flagged offside.

Vardy was not to be denied, however, and gave Cremonese the lead around 15 minutes from time. Alessio Zerbin’s initial effort was saved by Carnesecchi, but Vardy was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Atalanta responded quickly, with Marco Brescianini firing in off the post after Silvestri had denied Gianluca Scamacca, restoring parity. Both sides pushed for a late winner, but neither could break the deadlock, and the match ended 1-1.

The draw leaves Atalanta in seventh, just one point above Cremonese, with coach Ivan Juric likely questioning how many more draws his side will endure this season. Cremonese, meanwhile, will be pleased with a hard-earned point that keeps them in the top 10 and looking to build on their solid start.