Everything in Cremona is about music. It could hardly be otherwise given this is the birthplace of Antonio Stradivari, the greatest luthier of all time, whose violins cost millions.

But football has a similarly rich tradition here, in the Po Valley in Lombardy, with the likes of Antonio Cabrini, Enrico Chiesa and the late Gianluca Vialli all donning the Grigiorossi‘s iconic strip.

Jamie Vardy has now followed in their path and if you are heading over to watch the former England international in action, here’s a few pointers on how to get the most out of your visit.

Stay in… Porta Romana

Cremona is fairly small, so staying Porta Romana means you are almost exactly halfway between the historic city centre and the Stadio Zini, and a just a 20-minute walk from the train station.

We went for the Airbnb option as there are plenty around and there are also several hotels near the old town, albeit not as many as in other Italian cities.

If you want to make the most of Cremona on a weekend and have everything on your doorstep, Porta Romana is the place to be.

Go and see… the Torrazzo di Cremona

The medieval Torrazzo di Cremona is the tallest brick bell tower in Europe. It stands at 112m (or 368 feet) and features a unique double-barrel construction with two nested towers and a spiral staircase.

The Torrazzo is also known for its astronomical clock, added in 1582, which still displays the movements of the sun, moon and stars.

Grab food at… Bistrot San Gallo

Like every other city in Italy, Cremona takes its food seriously, regardless of whether it’s a quick bite in a bar or a five-star culinary experience. For something in between the two look no further than Bistrot San Gallo, right in the middle of town in Corso XX Settembre.

A modern trattoria concept that offers simple, yet well-structured dishes with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce, the place has quickly become a favourite with locals since launching in the summer. An extensive wine list and great service tick the boxes.

Get the pre-match buzz at… Bar Vigno

Located a stone’s throw from the Stadio Zini, the bar is a meeting point for fans on matchday, offering reasonably priced beers and wines, along with bottles of Campari soda, the de rigueur tipple of choice for calcio fans in Italy.

Toast victory in… the Old Town

With its cobbled street and stunning medieval architecture, Cremona’s old town is a sight to behold. Its proximity to the Zini and array of bars make it the perfect place to head to after a game to grab a drink.

While just about any of the bars in front of the Torrazzo di Cremona or in Piazza Stradivari are good options, Il Gatto e La Volpe in Via Mercatello does a cracking Campari spritz, while boasting a good selection of wines and some great cold cuts and cheese platters.