Football fans at the Stadio Giovanni Zini were left stunned on Sunday when a dangerous incident interrupted the Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Cremonese.
Just minutes after the second half kicked off, goalkeeper Emil Audero was struck by a firework, causing a loud explosion and clouds of white smoke over the pitch.
Audero Takes the Brunt of the Blast
The 29-year-old shot-stopper collapsed immediately after the firecracker detonated near him in the 49th minute.
Medical staff rushed onto the field to assess his condition while the referee temporarily halted the game.
Audero appeared shaken but, aside from a small cut and a burn mark on his leg, he avoided serious injury and was able to continue playing.
Inter Milan Reacts Quickly
Concerned teammates and head coach Cristian Chivu moved swiftly to check on Audero and sent clear signals to the crowd, urging fans to stop throwing objects onto the field.
The flare appeared to have come from the end housing Inter supporters, highlighting the growing safety concerns surrounding fan behavior.
Fan Injured by His Own Firework
The drama didn’t stop there.
Reports from Italian newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere della Sera revealed that the fan responsible for throwing the firework suffered severe injuries shortly after the incident.
While attempting to launch a second flare, he lost three fingers and later sought treatment at a Cremona hospital.
Authorities have arrested the individual and banned him from stadiums, while there are indications that Inter Milan fans could face restrictions on attending away matches.
Match Resumes Amid Tension
Despite the chaos, the game continued, and Inter Milan secured a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski.
Fortunately, no players suffered major injuries, allowing the contest to reach its conclusion safely.
Jamie Vardy in Action for Cremonese
New signing Jamie Vardy, who recently moved from Leicester City to Cremonese, played the full 90 minutes, going toe-to-toe with former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.
Vardy’s presence added star power to the match, even as the dramatic incident overshadowed much of the action on the pitch.
What Comes Next for Serie A Safety?
The incident raises fresh questions about fan safety and stadium security in Serie A.
Inter Milan is expected to face sanctions and fines, while the league and authorities continue to evaluate measures to prevent similar dangerous situations in the future.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn