Cremonese coach explains why Vardy didn’t play vs. Como | OneFootball

Davide Nicola hints that Jamie Vardy will get playing time against Inter next week, but he was an unused substitute against Como because ‘we didn’t want to take useless risks.’

Cremonese remain unbeaten this season as they secured a 1-1 draw against regional rivals Como on Saturday.

Cremonese still unbeaten after 1-1 draw vs. Como

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)

Vardy returned from an injury but remained on the bench for the whole game as Nicola started Dennis Johnsen and Federico Bonazzoli.

At the end of the game, the Italian tactician told DAZN (via TMW): “I know that not all players can play for the whole game, and I’m happy I could deploy Payero, who is an important player to us.

Nicola: Why Vardy was not introduced vs. Como

VERONA, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 15: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese shows appreciation to the fans after 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)

“We were cautious in not introducing Vardy because we didn’t want to take useless risks, but it will be his turn next week. He must regain rhythm, but he can only do it by playing.”

Vardy made his Serie A debut on September 15 in an away game at Hellas Verona, coming off the bench in the second half. He missed the following game against Parma due to a minor muscle injury.