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CREMONA, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Jamie Vardy of US Cremonese reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Giovanni Zini on January 19, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)
Cremonese manager Marco Giampaolo has confirmed that Jamie Vardy will start Saturday’s home clash with Pisa, a match he described as a last chance to keep the club’s Serie A survival hopes alive with three games remaining.
According to his pre-match press conference, via CalcioMercato, Giampaolo was unflinching about what is at stake. “There is no other way, we have to win,” he said. “These matches are worth more than three points in the table. That something extra is character, self-respect, resilience, ferocity, the ability to fight back against the table. I told the squad they are aware there is only one option.”
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Giampaolo calls for character as Cremonese face relegation crunch
The Cremonese head coach was equally direct when addressing the squad’s mentality after defeat to Lazio, calling on his players to dig deep regardless of the opposition’s circumstances. Pisa arrive at the Stadio Giovanni Zini already relegated, but Giampaolo was quick to dismiss any suggestion that would make things easier.
“Nobody gives anything to anyone,” he said. “Pisa will play their match as is right. We need to look for something deeper, the feelings we have, even within the team relationship. I have nothing to reproach from the defeat against Lazio. I am not criticising the squad, I am calling them for this appointment.”
On the broader question of motivation, a topic raised by supporters who have expressed frustration, Giampaolo pushed back firmly.
“An unmotivated player is one who gives nothing emotionally, to whom winning or losing does not matter,” he said. “I do not think we have players like that here. Tomorrow there is a roll call and we are called to respond in our attitudes and our ability to be resilient. The discussion goes beyond three points.”
Giampaolo also acknowledged the weight of the occasion while remaining measured.
He confirmed that Collocolo and Thorsby are among the squad and will be available, and played down questions about tactical shape, noting that his side have shown considerable fluidity in recent weeks, defending with a back three while attacking in different structures.
“The formation is the small part of a match that contains billions of other things,” he said. “With a 5-3-2 you can win and you can lose. The module itself is worth nothing.”
