At the Bentegodi, Zanetti’s team dominates but fails to score. Half an hour without impact for Nicola’s new striker
Verona dominates the game, creates many chances, but never manages to score, thanks in part to Emil Audero, who is in top form and stops all of his opponents’ attempts. Thus, Cremonese, who welcomed Vardy (and Sarmiento) to Serie A in the 14th minute of the second half, saved their skin and took home a 0-0 draw, which is a bonus given the course of the match. The Grigiorossi move up to third place (with Udinese) on seven points after three games, just two points behind leaders Napoli and Juve and ahead of Milan and Inter. Who would have thought it? Hellas, on the other hand, are kicking themselves for the missed opportunity and poor finishing, but this point allows them to leave the bottom of the table and, above all, to redeem themselves for their poor performance in Rome against Lazio. Better days are ahead.
No changes for Verona: Gagliardini, who arrived a few days ago, started immediately, with Bernede and Serdar at his sides, while Paolo Zanetti’s 3-5-2 formation featured Giovane and Orban up front, the latter making his Serie A debut. On the other side, Cremonese, lined up in the same formation, placed Bondo in midfield, while Davide Nicola opted for Bonazzoli alongside Sanabria in attack. Hellas, returning to the Bentegodi after four months, got off to a better start. The best chances fell to Giovane, who after a quarter of an hour was denied by Audero coming off his line and shortly after was unlucky with a curling shot that went just wide. Verona dominated the game, thanks to a lively midfield led by Serdar. Giovane tried again from long range, but Audero was alert. Cremonese appeared more timid than usual, with rare forays into the opponent’s half. Sanabria and Bonazzoli receive few useful balls, while the Gialloblù waste two more great chances in front of goal. First with Orban (33′) and then with Bradaric (41′), Audero manages to save both times. Verona ends the first half with eight corners to zero, which says a lot about the first 45 minutes.
super audero— In the second half, Verona lowered the intensity a little and Cremonese managed to come out of their shell more often. Vardy (with Sarmiento and Grassi) came on in the 59th minute, but it was still Verona who were dangerous with the usual Giovane, who, after a splendid dribble, shot at goal only to find super Audero in his way again. Shortly after, Audero also stopped Orban. The Cremonese goalkeeper was in great form and blocked all of his opponents’ attempts. In the final minutes, Sarmiento tried his luck from distance, but Montipò was not caught off guard. Then Verona failed to capitalize on another counterattack with Sarr and Giovane, and the match ended 0-0, which only satisfied Cremonese.
