Inter captain Lautaro Martinez apologised after a firework struck Emil Audero during Inter’s Serie A win over Cremonese.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez issued a public apology on behalf of the club after Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero was struck by a firework during Sunday’s Serie A clash between Inter and Cremonese.
The Nerazzurri secured a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Zini, with goals from Lautaro and Zielinski, but the match was overshadowed by a worrying incident early in the second half that forced a temporary stoppage.
Five minutes after the restart, a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the section housing travelling Inter supporters. The device exploded close to Audero, causing visible concern among players and officials.
🥺 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 was later seen with a cut and burn mark around his knee after the explosion. Despite the frightening moment, the Cremonese goalkeeper was cleared by medical staff and chose to continue the match.
Lautaro was among the first players to rush over and check on Audero following the incident. After the final whistle, the Inter captain expressed his regret and condemned the actions that led to the stoppage.
“These things can’t happen,” Lautaro said. “There’s a personal risk. Footballers are human too. We put on a show that’s watched all over the world, so we have to be careful about these things.”
He added: “We apologise to Audero, who was a winner with us when we claimed the second star, and we apologise to all the Cremonese fans. These things must not happen.” Lautaro, who was named player of the match, later revealed the award would be dedicated to his daughter on her birthday, saying he hoped to return to Milan quickly to celebrate with her.
