Cremonese Goalkeeper Emil Audero Admits Fear And ‘Emptiness’ After Inter Milan Firework Incident

Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero has opened up on his fear after being struck by a firework.

Emil Audero Needs Tests After Inter Milan Firework Incident

Inter Milan won 2-0 at the Stadio Zini on Sunday, but the game was marred by unsavoury scenes five minutes into the second half.

A projectile was thrown from the away end and exploded next to Audero. After players from both sides rushed to check on him, the match was brought to a halt.

Audero, 29, sported a visible cut and burn mark around his knee and has been granted two days off.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the stopper admitted the incident could have been worse. However, he will undergo tests in the coming days to discover any potential lasting damage.

“First of all, I’m feeling pretty good,” said Audero. “At least mentally, because thinking back on what happened, I realise the consequences could have been much more serious. But it’s all very hard to digest.

“At the end of the match, once the adrenaline subsided, my neck went stiff. Now it’s even worse because my ear hurts and my back is stiff too.

“I’ll have tests in the next few days to see if there’s any problem, but well… let’s just say it could have been worse.”

Recalling the moment the explosive dropped by his feet, Audero likened the sensation to being struck in the ‘ear with a hammer’. He believes the flashpoint could have ‘ended very badly’ if he hadn’t moved in a split second.

Audero, who played for Inter during the 2023-24 campaign, got back to his feet after a couple of minutes, allowing the game to continue. Giuseppe Marotta, the Nerazzurri’s president, praised his ‘professionalism’.

🥺 This is the scary moment @Inter‘s match at @USCremonese is halted after home ‘keeper Emil Audero is hit by a flare | 🎥 Full H/L 👉🏻 https://t.co/6bEAiJZ2pf pic.twitter.com/CQNYbqhkPa

— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_AUS) February 2, 2026

Audero Didn’t Want To Play

But the goalkeeper has bravely admitted he didn’t want to play on, having been left with a feeling of ’emptiness’.

“The wound on my knee was hurting, but the problem was inside me,” added Audero. “A deep sense of disappointment and a lack of desire to play. I was on the pitch, doing my job that I love to death.

“But meanwhile, my thoughts were wandering to the site of the explosion. A little further on, and who knows… my hand, my arm, or even worse. I thought: why am I on the pitch? Why am I playing?

“My head and thoughts were spinning. It was a terrible feeling.”

According to Calciomercato, the supporter who threw the firecracker is in a serious condition in hospital and could lose his hand. He has already lost at least two fingers.

The Sports Judge is expected to hand down Inter’s punishment on Wednesday, with a hefty fine and supporter ban among the most likely sanctions. The club have also vowed to take the supporters responsible to court.

Last month, Napoli and Lazio supporters were banned from away matches after repeated violent clashes.