Marotta condemns ‘extraordinary incident’ after Audero hit by firework | OneFootball

Nerazzurri President Beppe Marotta has strongly condemned the incident that led to opposition goalkeeper Emil Audero being hit by an exploding firework during Inter’s 2-0 win over Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.

Cristian Chivu’s side picked up the three points thanks to first half goals from Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski, but the game was not without its controversies.

Five minutes into the second half, a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the area of the stands housing the travelling Nerazzurri supporters. The firework narrowly missed Audero, the only player in the penalty area at the time, and exploded with a loud bang right next to him.

CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Goalkeeper Emil Audero of US Cremonese gets stunned by a firework during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and FC Internazionale at Stadio Giovanni Zini on February 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Marco M. Mantovani/Getty Images)

There was a visible cut and burn mark on Audero’s leg where he had been struck by the sparks.

Fortunately, the 29-year-old was cleared to continue playing after a few minutes of on-pitch treatment.

Marotta responds to Audero firework incident

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after full-time, Inter President Marotta described the incident as a “stupid gesture.”

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05: Giuseppe Marotta Chairman of FC Internazionale looks on prior to the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

He continued: “A situation that I’ve never experienced across so many years of my career. (It was) a sensational gesture in the name of anti-sportsmanship. I know the authorities are doing their investigations.

“It might be an isolated incident, we are waiting to hear back from the investigations, but we think the same as all the fans. We have a duty to create a culture and to prevent these situations. We condemn this extraordinary incident.

“We would also like to thank Audero for his professionalism,because as a result, this game was able to be played until the end.”