Vardy makes Serie A debut in Cremonese's goalless draw and Genoa rescues draw at Como

VERONA, Italy (AP) — Jamie Vardy could not rustle up a goal in his Serie A debut and prevent the first scoreless draw between Cremonese and Verona for almost 40 years on Monday.

Vardy, one of England’s most prolific scorers over the last decade, signed for Cremonese on transfer deadline day and came off the bench to replace Federico Bonazzoli in the 58th minute.

But there was no fairy tale start for the 38-year-old Premier League and FA Cup winner.

Instead, most of the chances were at the other end as Verona pushed for a first win at home since Feb. 23.

Giovane missed a string of chances and Gift Orban was also profligate in a game that nevertheless ended Cremonese’s winning start to the season.

The point moved Cremonese up to third place.

Verona was 16th with two points from three games.

Later Monday, Genoa scored in stoppage time to take a point in a 1-1 draw at Como.

Nico Paz was named the Serie A rising star of the month for August and the 21-year-old Argentine showed why after 13 minutes when he gave Como the lead with a lovely strike from outside the box.

Como coach Cesc Fabregas looked sure to preserve his 100% record against his old Arsenal teammate Patrick Vieira since they both moved into the dugout but Caleb Ekuban slammed home after a goalmouth scramble two minutes into stoppage time to give Genoa a much needed share of the points.

Como’s Jacobo Ramon was sent off three minutes earlier.

The point left Genoa winless after three games but the result lifted it out of joint-last place.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Como's Maxence Caqueret, left, and Genoa's Brooke Norton-Cuffy, right, challenge for the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Como 1907 and CFC Genoa 1893 in Como, Italy, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Antonio Saia/LaPresse via AP)

Como's Mergim Vojvoda, front, plays the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Como 1907 and CFC Genoa 1893 in Como, Italy, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Antonio Saia/LaPresse via AP)

Verona's Antoine Bernede kicks the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Cremonese at the Bentegodi Stadium in Verona, Italy, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)

Verona's Gift Orban reacts during the Serie A soccer match between Hellas Verona and Cremonese at the Bentegodi Stadium in Verona, Italy, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)

Undefeated Indiana is the top seed in the College Football Playoff bracket revealed Sunday, moving to No. 1 after winning its first Big Ten title since 1967.

The runner-up, Ohio State, moved down only one notch to No. 2 after the 13-10 loss. At No. 3 is Southeastern Conference champion Georgia, with Big 12 champ Texas Tech finishing at No. 4 and getting the last of the four first-round byes for the tournament starting Dec. 19.

Alabama, Notre Dame and Miami were still awaiting their fate as the bracket-reveal show on ESPN milked the drama. Only two of the three are expected to make the field and it's virtually certain that the 12-person selection committee meeting in Texas will be second-guessed for whatever decision it makes.

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here and here (AP News mobile app). AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch (1) celebrates his touchdown against Alabama during the second half of a Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Ohio State's Lorenzo Styles Jr. breaks up a pass intended for Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. during the first half of the Big Ten championship NCAA college football game in Indianapolis, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)