Cremonese Goalkeeper Opens Up On Sunday Incident: “I’m Fine, But It Could’ve Ended Badly” | OneFootball

Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero delivered his verdict on the incident that took place during Sunday’s clash against Inter Milan.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInter1908, the former Nerazzurri star commented on the unpleasant scenes in Cremona.

Emil Audero fell victim to a reckless act by an Inter supporter, who threw a firecracker just a few meters away from him during the match.

Luckily, the 29-year-old escaped injury, though this traumatic event left a lasting impression and could have had far more serious consequences.

Despite a comfortable 2-0 win at Stadio Giovanni Zini, it could still prove a Pyrrhic victory for Inter.

Indeed, thanks to a mindless act from one of the fans, Inter could play the next three Serie A road games without away supporters.

Furthermore, the Sports Judge has already fined the club €50,000 for the incident, highlighting the serious consequences of fan misconduct.

Emil Audero Opens Up on Cremonese 0-2 Inter Milan Incident

Inter Milan’s Italian goalkeeper #77 Emil Audero waves to fans at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Empoli in Milan, on April 1, 2024. (Photo by Piero CRUCIATTI / AFP) (Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI/AFP via Getty Images)

“First of all, I’m doing fairly well,” Audero said. “At least mentally, because thinking back on what happened, I realize 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 wore off, my neck stiffened.

“Now it’s even worse because my ear hurts and my back is stiff too.

“In the coming days, I’ll get some tests to see if there’s any problem, but well… let’s just say it could have gone even worse.

“These are things that happen, and I didn’t pay them much attention. Usually they’re flares that don’t go off.

“Everything seemed under control. During the match, I was focused, then I turn my head and saw that stuff on the ground near me.

“I’m not an expert, and I only move by chance, following the action with my eyes.

“I was still trying to get the referee’s attention, took a few steps, and then… that tremendous bang.

“A roar, like someone had hit me in the ear with a hammer, I could barely hear.

“On my right leg, I see a cut, my shorts torn, and I feel an intense burning. If I hadn’t moved, it really could have ended very badly.”

Asked why he decided to stay on the pitch, Audero replied: “Adrenaline, first of all.

“But you also do it because you’re on the field, you understand the situation, and you don’t want it to end like that.

“Inside, I didn’t feel any desire to give up. Suspending the match for something like that didn’t sit right with me.

“I knew I could handle it. Even though something did happen later.”

Ex Inter Milan Goalkeeper Emil Audero Thanks Beppe Marotta & Alessandro Bastoni for Their Support

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Audero spent one season at San Siro.

Indeed, he joined the club from Sampdoria on a season-long loan in 2023/24 to play second fiddle to Yann Sommer.

However, he has maintained solid relations with several key Nerazzurri figures.

Beppe Marotta condemned the incident shortly after the game, sending a message of support to the Italian shot-stopper.

“I have an excellent relationship with the club and the players,” Audero said.

“Everyone, starting with the president, came over to check on how I was doing. They were worried.

“In my career, I’ve been through a lot. I’m a man of the pitch, so I wanted to carry on.

“The idea of speculating on what had happened is not part of my character.”

Meanwhile, Alessandro Bastoni also slammed the fan who carelessly put Audero at risk.

“He’s right,” Audero added. “Football must convey values and has enormous power in that sense.

“Football is enjoyment, skill, quality, commitment, and passion. These are the principles we want and must pass on.

“That’s why what happened is unacceptable, especially at such a delicate moment like this.

“For the world, for the society we live in. Those who do things like this deserve to be punished. Severely.”