The individual who threw a firework that hit goalkeeper Emil Audero during the Serie A match between Cremonese and Inter on Sunday evening has been identified as a 19-year-old Nerazzurri supporter, who has now been arrested.
Inter fan arrested after Audero firework incident
Inter’s 2-0 win over Cremonese this weekend was temporarily brought to a halt when a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the section of the ground housing the travelling Nerazzurri supporters.
Now, according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, the individual responsible for throwing the firework onto the pitch has been identified and arrested, all within 48 hours of the incident taking place.
The individual responsible is a 19-year-old Inter supporter, who is understood to be involved with the club’s ultras.
The teenager was not, however, the person who reportedly lost three fingers in a separate firework-related incident during the Cremonese-Inter match.
Lazio were the biggest spenders in Serie A during the winter transfer window, while Juventus were the only club not to spend a penny as they secured Jeremie Boga and Emil Holm on free loan deals.
The winter transfer window for Serie A clubs ended on Monday, February 2, so it’s time to review the activity of every team in Italy’s top flight, including how much they spent over the last month.
Serie A: Lazio the biggest spenders in 2026 winter transfer window
LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Kenneth Taylor of SS Lazio during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SS Lazio at Stadio Via del Mare on January 24, 2026 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Lazio had been imposed a transfer embargo during the summer transfer window, so it is not entirely surprising to see the Biancocelesti spend more than any other club in Italy during the January window.
Furthermore, Maurizio Sarri saw two regular starters, Matteo Guendouzi and Valentin Castellanos, leave the Olimpico last month, so the Bianconcelesti had to sign replacements in central midfield and attack.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Niclas Fullkrug of AC Milan celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As reported by Transfermarkt, Milan spent €8m to sign promising Verona midfielder Alphadjo Cissè, 19, who was then sent to Serie B side Catanzaro on loan.
The Rossoneri also signed Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham, on loan with an option to buy.
Ranking: Biggest Serie A spenders in the 2026 winter transfer window
Every winter, Italian clubs scramble to try to find the players who can make a mid-season difference. Giancarlo Rinaldi gives out the grades for their efforts this year.
Only a fool would try to assess the potential impact of acquisitions that have barely had a chance to play for their new employer,s but here we go again. It is worth remembering that it can sometimes be the players that you move on or keep who can be as important as the ones you bring in. With that in mind, here are the marks out of 10 for all 20 Serie A sides this winter window.
Atalanta 6/10 – In the end it probably boils down to whether you think Giacomo Raspadori plus a handsome profit is worth losing Ademola Lookman for. The ex-Napoli man looks sharp already while the departures of Daniel Maldini and Marco Brescianini may reduce the depth of the squad but should not cause major damage.
Bologna 5.5/10 – A bit of a bland market that looks unlikely to see an upturn in their midtable form. The effective swap of Emil Holm for Joao Mario with Juventus looks a balanced enough trade, while Simon Sohm will need to show an improvement on his Fiorentina form to convince that he was worth losing Giovanni Fabbian for.
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: João Mario of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Cagliari 6.5/10 – Sometimes it is not about who you buy or sell but who you keep and hanging on to a hot property like young Marco Palestra could be key to the Sardinians’ survival, which is looking more and more likely. The actual incomings and outgoings probably fall under the category of “time will tell” when it comes to their effectiveness.
Como 5/10 – On paper, at least, a little bit underwhelming for a side with such financial backing, but their eye for talent could well mean Swedish teenager Adrian Ladho is one to watch. Keeping hold of their best players – with Martin Baturina in particular attracting attention – was an achievement, but the club has sufficient wealth to say no to all but the biggest deals.
Cremonese 6/10 – None of their arrivals look like setting Serie A alight but they are all proven performers. Milan Djuric will give them a different option in attack while Youseff Maleh, Morten Thorsby and Sebastiano Luperto are well-known quantities who can surely ensure the work already done towards survival continues.
Fiorentina 5.5/10 – The best part of the Viola transfer market was probably getting rid of a number of the summer signings that did not work out including Simon Sohm, Edin Dzeko and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia. They have added width with Manor Solomon and Jack Harrison but there was no real big name to fire hopes of rocketing back up the table.
Genoa 7/10 – As a fully signed-up member of the Tommaso Baldanzi fan club, this mark is probably more in hope than expectation. Daniele De Rossi has already put the fight into the Grifone, but the talented Roma man could add that dash of quality which will make their survival fight a more stylish one than it has been so far.
Inter 5/10 – We have what we hold is an understandable approach from the Nerazzurri but not the kind of thing to get fans delighted. The purchase of Yanis Massolin is an exciting one but clearly one for the future as the young French midfielder will remain on loan at Modena, where he has shone in Serie B.
Emil Holm poses with the Juventus shirt alongside Marco Ottolini (left) and Damien Comolli (right) – via juventus.com.
Juventus 5/10 – There was plenty of smoke but not much substance to the Bianconeri’s transfer window work with the arrivals of Emil Holm and Jeremie Boga hardly the stuff to get pulses racing. Maybe it could be argued that a recent upturn in form shows they did not need to force the issue but it will still disappoint the fans.
Lazio 5.5/10 – The Biancocelesti have been busy after having their transfer ban lifted with Kenneth Taylor already looking like a smart signing. The losses of Matteo Guendouzi and Taty Castellanos leave gaps to be filled but the biggest story was probably Alessio Romagnoli’s switch to Al-Sadd falling through due to a document mix-up, which is a bit embarrassing.
Lecce 5.5/10 – They will have to hope that they have found a couple of gems in a signing basket, including Omri Gandelman, Oumar Ngom and Sadik Fofana. The good news is that they have managed that in the past, so a repeat is not out of the question. Walid Cheddira is more of a known quantity and gives them options up front.
Milan 5/10 – Another one of Italy’s bigs to be linked with plenty of players but, in the end, they only managed a couple of arrivals. Niclas Fullkrug gives a focal point to their attack while teenager Alphadjo Cissè is definitely interesting. But the collapse of a deal for Jean-Philippe Mateta felt pretty much typical of their efforts.
Giovane officially joins Napoli from Hellas Verona
Napoli 5/10 – Add their name to the list of top teams who will have left their fans feeling cheated this January. Lorenzo Lucca goes to England for a nice bundle of cash – at least potentially – while the problematic Noa Lang finds a new home. Young Verona forward Giovane and Alisson Santos from Sporting CP will at least enjoy a move up the table thanks to their transfers.
Parma 6.5/10 – It will be a battle to stay afloat but they have added some quality to their fight with Hans Nicolussi Caviglia likely to enjoy a better time than he did in Florence. Gabriel Strefezza adds a dash of unpredictability and excitement while the loss of Hernani and Mathias Lovik will hardly be felt much at all.
Pisa 4.5/10 – They had to roll the dice and they definitely have but what number will come up remains to be seen. Having got rid of Alberto Gilardino as coach, they have at least got a goal already from new man Rafiu Durosinmi. Samuel Iling-Junior knows Serie A well enough but seems unlikely to produce enough to drag them to safety.
Roma 7.5/10 – Donyell Malen may be the signing who has made the most immediate impact this winter with some eye-catching moments already. Robinio Vaz is one of the biggest investments of the window and certainly does not seem to lack character. Tommaso Baldanzi leaves having found little space while Leon Bailey was dogged by injury in his short spell in the capital.
Donyell Malen joins Roma from Aston Villa (via asroma.com).
Sassuolo 5.5/10 – Whatever the question was, can the answer possibly have been M’Bala Nzola? The Angolan was far from thrilling at Pisa but maybe he can thrive in surroundings where the pressure of potential relegation is a little bit less intense. Their other new faces are intriguing but not necessarily of immediate use.
Torino 6/10 – A decent window that will surely help the Granata to enjoy another season of survival – if not a lot more. Kristjan Asllani and Cyril Ngonge made little impression between them so it will be up to Matteo Prati and Luca Marianucci to surpass them which, in truth, should really not be too hard.
Udinese 6/10 – The revolving door at the Stadio Friuli is rarely still and there were more heading out than in this winter. Branimir Mlacic and Juan Arizala definitely fall into the players with potential category and will look to make their mark while Iker Bravo and Sandi Lovric leave due to a lack of playing time. Saba Goglichidze ensures another window sees a move between the club and Watford.
Verona 5/10 – Their coach is gone but for a club with a need of a jolt, was this transfer session sufficient? It will be exciting to see another Scot give Serie A a go in the shape of Hibs’ record sale Kieron Bowie but he will surely have his work cut out to turn things around. Sandi Lovric should do a job while Pol Lirola at least knows Italy even if he has never exactly impressed.
TRENTO, ITALY – JULY 22: Ishak Belfodil (L) of Internazionale Milano competes with Nicolas Giani (R) of Vicenza Calcio during the pre-season friendly match between FC Internazionale Milano and Vicenza Calcio on July 22, 2013 in Pinzolo near Trento, Italy. (Photo by Dino Panato/Getty Images)
Giani had started his career as part of the Inter youth academy, going on to play for Cremonese, Pro Patria, Vicenza, Perugia, SPAL, Spezia, Feralpisalò and Desenzano.
The centre-back was most closely associated with SPAL, who he represented from 2014 to 2017, becoming their captain during their climb to Serie A.
Giani never managed a single top flight game during his career, but had 181 in Serie B with five goals and four assists, plus over 200 in Serie C.
He had caps for Italy at Under-18 and Under-19 level.
FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 4: Manor Solomon of ACF Fiorentina looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and US Cremonese at Artemio Franchi on January 4, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
The winter transfer window for Serie A clubs shut today at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT). As usual, it was a hectic day during which many Serie A clubs confirmed purchases and departures.
Juventus confirmed Emil Holm’s initial loan move from Bologna, while Joao Mario joined the Rossoblu on a temporary transfer until the end of the season.
Juventus have also sent Daniele Rugani from Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy.
Bryan Zaragoza with Roma director Frederic Massara (asroma.com)
Roma welcomed their third attacking reinforcement in Bryan Zaragoza on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich. The Giallorossi had previously welcomed Donyell Malen from Aston Villa and Robinio Vaz from Olympique Marseille.
Napoli announced Brazilian winger Alisson Santos from Sporting CP.
Parma have also received attacking reinforcement with ex-Como winger Gabriel Strefezza, while Atalanta parted ways with Ademola Lookman, sending the Nigeria international to Atletico Madrid on a permanent €40m transfer.
Below are all the major transfers completed by Serie A clubs on deadline day.
2026 winter transfer window: Serie A deals completed on deadline day
Louis Buffon, son of Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi, in action for Serie B side Pisa.
Enzo Ebosse from Udinese to Torino via Verona (loan)
Alphadjo Cissè From Milan to Catanzaro via Verona (loan)
Tommaso Corazza from Bologna to Cesena (loan)
Nicola Pintus from Cagliari to Cosenza (loan)
Giuseppe Ambrosino from Napoli to Modena (loan)
Andrias Edmundsson to Verona from Wisla Plock (permanent €2.5m)
Mateus Lusuardi from Pisa to Reggiana (loan)
Laurs Skjellerup from Sassuolo to Spezia (loan)
Felipe Jack from Como to Catanzaro (loan)
Emil Holm to Juventus from Bologna (loan with €15m option to buy)
GENOA, ITALY – AUGUST 31: João Mario of Juventus looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and Juventus FC at Luigi Ferraris Stadium on August 31, 2025 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
Joao Mario to Bologna from Juventus (loan)
Louis Buffon from Pisa to Pontedera (loan)
Leonardo Buta from Udinese to Rio Ave (loan)
Morten Thorsby to Cremonese from Genoa (permanent €2.5m )
Daniele Rugani to Fiorentina from Juventus (loan with option to buy for €2m)
Dennis Johnsen from Cremonese to Palermo (permanent €3m)
Gabriel Strefezza to Parma from Olympiacos (loan with option to buy)
Bryan Zaragoza to Roma from Bayern Munich (loan with option to buy)
Ulisses Garcia to Sassuolo from Marseille (loan with option to buy)
Alisson Santos to Napoli from Sporting CP (loan with option to buy)
Pedro Felipe to Sassuolo from Juventus NextGen (loan)
Ademola Lookman from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid (permanent €40m)
Branimir Mlacic to Udinese from Hajduk Split (permanent €4.5m)
Samuel Iling Junior to Pisa from Aston Villa (loan)
Darryl Bakola to Sassuolo from Marseille (permanent €10m)
Sebastiano Luperto to Cremonese from Cagliari (permanent €4.6m)
Alberto Cerri from Como to Cesena (undefined)
Nicholas Pierini from Sassuolo to Sampdoria (loan)
Adrian Lahdo to Como from Hammarby (permanent €18m)
Yanis Massolin to Inter from Modena (permanent €8m, then back to Modena on loan)
Rui Modesto from Udinese to Palermo (loan)
Saba Goglichidze from Udinese to Watford (loan)
Tete Morente end of Lecce contract
Matias Vecino from Lazio to Celta Vigo (permanent)
Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero released a video message thanking everyone for their ‘affection’ after he was hit by a firework thrown by Inter fans. ‘I feel relieved, as it could’ve been a lot worse.’
Audero recognises he was lucky not to get badly hurt
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)
“Hello everyone, this is simply a message to thank everyone who wrote to me to ask how I was. I’m fine, although I had a strong pain in my ear and a burning sensation in my knee,” explained the shot-stopper.
“I managed to train today and feel relieved, because having seen the footage, it could’ve really been a lot worse. I’m glad that it went well, despite it all.
“Unfortunately, these things still happen, but I hope they will stop in future. I thank all those who wrote to me and send a hug.”
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez sent a public apology on behalf of the club to Emil Audero, who was struck by a firework during Sunday’s Serie A match between the Nerazzurri and Cremonese.
Inter picked up a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Lautaro and Piotr Zielinski, but the game was temporarily halted five minutes into the second half in concerning scenes at the Stadio Zini.
In the 50th minute, a firework was thrown onto the pitch from the area of the stadium containing the travelling Inter supporters. The firework landed on the pitch and exploded right next to Audero, who was later seen with a cut and burn mark around his knee.
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)
The Cremonese goalkeeper was cleared to continue and decided to stay on the pitch despite the troubling ordeal.
Lautaro apologises to Audero on behalf of Inter
Inter captain Lautaro was among the first to see to Audero immediately after the firework had exploded, and later went on to express his apologies to his former teammate.
“These things can’t happen,” Lautaro told DAZN after full-time.
“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.
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 04: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale Milano celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Bologna FC 1909 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“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 awarded the player of the match: “This award will go in my daughter’s room,” he said. “It’s her birthday today. Now I hope to get back to Milan quickly and see her while she’s awake. The award and this shirt are for her.”
January has brought plenty of transfer action in Serie A, but teams now have less than 12 hours remaining to complete any potential business.
When does the Serie A transfer window close?
The 2026 winter transfer window will close at 19.00 GMT (20.00 CET) on Monday, February 2 in Serie A.
After that point, teams will no longer be able to register any new signings, but will still be able to sanction player departures to leagues whose transfer windows remain open.
Official: Jeremie Boga joins Juventus on loan with an option to buy from OGC Nice.
The Serie A window closes at the same time as most of Europe’s top five leagues. The windows in Serie A, the Premier League, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 all align.
The LaLiga window is set to close a few hours later at 22.59 GMT (23.59 CET). This is also the same for the Eredivisie.
The Saudi Pro League window will also close on Monday night.
The window in Portugal will remain open until Tuesday and the window in Turkey and Greece will remain open until Friday, February 6.
Play was temporarily halted at the Stadio Giovanni Zini when a loud explosion was heard and smoke filled the air, as a firework thrown from the away end filled with Inter supporters hit Audero.
He was able to recover and continue the game, despite a small cut and burn mark on his leg.
Inter fans turned on ‘lone wolf’ responsible
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)
When a few minutes later, another loud explosion was heard, this time the firework did not land near any players.
A scuffle erupted inside the away end, where the majority of Inter supporters were furious with this outsider, who they felt was risking the suspension of the match as well as being a genuine danger to the players.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Referee Davide Massa talks to the players including Francesco Pio Esposito 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)
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport and the Corriere della Sera newspapers claim that the person responsible was identified because he turned up at the hospital in Cremona with a hand injury, having damaged three of his own fingers.
He will be arrested and banned from attending stadiums, but it remains to be seen how the authorities will react, potentially banning all Nerazzurri fans from away matches.
President Beppe Marotta tried to get ahead of the situation by publicly condemning the hooligan responsible and apologising to Cremonese.
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.”
Cristian Chivu is impressed with Inter’s ‘maturity’ after a 2-0 victory away to Cremonese and reiterates Davide Frattesi will not join Nottingham Forest.
The Nerazzurri had the result under lock and key by half-time thanks to a Lautaro Martinez free header on Federico Dimarco’s corner, and Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike that swerved under the bar.
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)
Fortunately, he was only shaken, and could finish the game, albeit with a cut and a burn mark on his leg.
Chivu proud of Inter concentration in Cremona
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts 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)
“I saw maturity in understanding the right moments of the match, and the ways of getting to the victory,” Chivu told Sky Sport Italia.
“In terms of dominating the game, we were always in charge, although they didn’t allow us very much. We were a little slow in moving the ball around, because we lacked energy to attack their deep defensive lines, but then we went in front before half-time.
“It was a little more relaxed after the break, as obviously some fatigue set in, but the important thing was to win and we did it.”
Davide Frattesi was given a rare start in midfield, as Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and Carlos Augusto were out of action.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale in action 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 had been reports Frattesi was close to joining Nottingham Forest, but President Beppe Marotta assured he has not asked to leave Inter.
“Frattesi is an Inter player and for me he is an important figure in the squad,” added Chivu.
“He has to prove it on the field and in training, because we trust his qualities. We need him in great shape for the final months of the season, so that he can give us that something extra that at times we are missing in some games.”
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts 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)
Inter solidify their status as Serie A leaders, opening up an eight-point lead waiting for second-placed Milan to play against Bologna on Tuesday evening.
Antonio Conte and Luciano Spalletti have been complaining that there are too many games in modern football, so what is Chivu’s take on the situation?
“The decisions I made in the past to rotate reflect what you said. I allowed rest days before big matches and was criticised in the media for that.
“There are many games, it increases the risk of injury, but when we are in that many tournaments, it is a risk we have to accept.
“I do not complain, but what I will say is that I can’t wait for the transfer window to close,” concluded Chivu.
Inter had Piotr Zielinski, Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco to thank after a 2-0 victory away against Cremonese in Serie A on Sunday afternoon. Check out the player ratings below!
First-half goals from Lautaro and Zielinski sent Cristian Chivu’s side on their way to their ninth league victory from their last 10 outings. The hosts, meanwhile, are tumbling down the Serie A table and now sit just six points above the drop zone after 23 matches.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Lautaro Martinez scores the 0-1 goal 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)
Best Cremonese player: Zerbin 6 – One of Cremonese’s stronger performers on the day. Nicola’s side often looked to him to spring their counter attacks, and he came close to halving the deficit when he struck the crossbar after a free-kick in the 84th minute.
Coach: Davide Nicola 5 – Now up to nine matches without a win for the newly-promoted side, who are tumbling down the Serie A table after a strong start to the 2025-26 season. Inter dominated today, which was to be expected, but other than the occasional counter attack through Zerbin and Vardy, there didn’t seem to be much of a plan to stop or hurt the Nerazzurri.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu reacts 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)
Best Inter player: Zielinski 7 – It was a strong performance from the Poland international, even before he rifled Inter into a 2-0 lead with a beauty from outside the area – Audero still should have done better. Zielinski dictated the game from the base of the Inter midfield, was slick in his passing, knew when to carry it out and will surely give Cristian Chivu something to think about once Calhanoglu returns from injury.
Coach: Cristian Chivu 7 – Domination from the Nerazzurri, who finished tonight’s game with 69% of the possession and 15 shots on goal. Chivu will be particularly pleased with his side’s first-half performance: Going in for the interval leading 2-0 away from home meant that it was effectively an exercise in keeping a clean sheet for the second 45. 11 matches unbeaten in Serie A, and 10 victories earned over that period. 28 points from their last 10 games.
Inter comfortably swept Cremonese aside 2-0 with Lautaro Martinez and Piotr Zielinski goals, but there was a scare when Emil Audero was struck by a firework.
The Nerazzurri beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in Germany on Wednesday, though it was not enough to avoid the Champions League play-offs. Carlos Augusto joined Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu and Denzel Dumfries on the treatment table. The hosts managed just three draws in eight games, failing to score for the last three in a row. Tommaso Barbieri was suspended, with Martin Payero, Antonio Sanabria, Warren Bondo, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo injured, so Youssef Maleh was thrown straight into the starting XI.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts 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)
Petar Sucic fired just over and Lautaro Martinez turned wide from distance after Cremonese struggled playing out from the back, but Inter broke the deadlock when Lautaro Martinez was allowed a surprisingly free header from six yards on Federico Dimarco’s corner. It was his 128th Serie A goal for Inter and he celebrated with a message for his daughter’s birthday.
Federico Ceccherini drilled wide from a Cremonese corner moments later, while Yann Sommer had to sprint out to clear from Federico Bonazzoli after a heavy touch ruined the counter-attack.
Davide Frattesi at full stretch couldn’t keep the finish down on another Dimarco cross, but Piotr Zielinski doubled Inter’s lead with a long-range strike that swerved mid-air to surprise the not impeccable Audero under the bar.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Piotr Zielinski of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the 0-2 goal 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)
Bonazzoli tried to repeat the trick at the other end and stung Sommer’s gloves with another swerving effort.
There was a horrible incident on 50 minutes when a firework was thrown into the penalty area and exploded right next to Cremonese goalkeeper Audero. He had a burn mark on his leg and was evidently shaken, but was able to continue after a few minutes.
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)
Alessio Zerbin tested Sommer with an angled drive, while Marcus Thuram’s header turned an Alessandro Bastoni cross wide.
New signing Milan Djuric made his Cremonese debut, but couldn’t quite get his head to the Giuseppe Pezzella cross.
The hosts were unlucky not to break their goal drought in the final minutes when a free kick was cleared to the edge of the box for Alessio Zerbin’s first-time strike off the outside of the right boot, which thumped the base of the upright. A mad scramble followed, culminating in Sommer smothering at Jamie Vardy’s feet.
Inter are facing a huge fine after Cremonese goalkeeper Emil Audero was struck by a firework that exploded next to him during this evening’s Serie A game.
The incident occurred at the 50th minute at the Stadio Giovanni Zini, when Audero was the only player inside the penalty area.
Cremonese goalkeeper struck by flare thrown by Inter fans
He was understandably shaken, but able to continue after a few minutes of treatment.
There was a visible small cut and burn mark on Audero’s leg, where the explosion struck him.
CREMONA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 01: Coach Cristian Chivu of FC Internazionale reacts 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)
Inter players and coach Cristian Chivu rushed over to warn their supporters not to throw any more objects onto the pitch.
It could’ve been considerably worse, but Audero was able to carry on the match, with his team 2-0 down.
The Serie A match between Cremonese and Inter temporarily stopped after a firecracker thrown from the away fans section exploded near goalkeeper Emil Audero. After receiving medical attention and being deemed okay, the match has resumed. pic.twitter.com/T1TRdcReYH
The Inter injury list keeps growing, but Lautaro Martinez partners Francesco Pio Esposito with Davide Frattesi in midfield against Jamie Vardy’s unpredictable Cremonese.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – JANUARY 28: Cristian Chivu, Head Coach of FC Internazionale Milano, reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Internazionale Milano at BVB Stadion Dortmund on January 28, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
The Nerazzurri are flying away at the top of the Serie A table and had their confidence boosted by a midweek 2-0 victory away to Borussia Dortmund, even if it wasn’t enough to avoid the Champions League play-offs.
However, the injury list is growing, now missing Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Denzel Dumfries and also Carlos Augusto.
Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni were rested in the Champions League midweek, so return to the starting XI with Pio Esposito.
Sucic and Piotr Zielinski form the midfield with Frattesi, while despite rumours of a potential exit, Luis Henrique also starts.
VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 02: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 02, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Cremonese made their name as giant-killers this season with victories over Milan and Bologna, holding Como, Atalanta and Lazio to draws.
Their form has taken a dip in recent weeks, managing just three stalemates in their last eight games, not scoring for three on the bounce.
Tommaso Barbieri is suspended, with Martin Payero, Antonio Sanabria, Warren Bondo, Faris Moumbagna and Michele Collocolo injured.
New signings Milan Djuric and Youssef Maleh are thrown straight onto the bench.
Veteran Vardy leads the way with Federico Bonazzoli, while Alessio Zerbin moves into a midfield role.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – DECEMBER 01: Davide Nicola, Head Coach of Cremonese, congratulates Jamie Vardy of Cremonese following the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and US Cremonese at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on December 01, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Francesco Pio Esposito and Lautaro Martinez are expected to lead the Inter attack in an away Serie A game against Jamie Vardy’s Cremonese.
It kicks off at 18:00 CET (17:00 GMT) at the Stadio Zini in Cremona.
The Nerazzurri are the Serie A table leaders, but have travelled to Cremona without three regular starters: Denzel Dumfries, Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella. Carlos Augusto is also unavailable for the travelling side.
Tommaso Barbieri is suspended for Cremonese, while David Okereke, Antonio Sanabria, Faris Moumbagna, Warrne Bondo, Michele Collocolo and Martin Payero are injured.
As reported by several Italian sources, including Gazzetta, Sky, and Tuttosport, French striker Thuram is expected to rest, making room for Pio Esposito in the Inter attack.
Nottingham Forest target Davide Frattesi is available, but won’t feature in Inter’s XI as Petar Sucic, Piotr Zielinski and Henrik Mkhitaryan will get the nod in the middle of the park.
Cremonese will look to Vardy and Federico Bonazzoli up front. January signing Youssef Maleh will start in central midfield for the Grigiorossi, who are winless in 2026 and haven’t scored in their last three league games.
Cremonese vs. Inter – where to watch on TV
The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and TalkSport YouTube in the UK and Ireland and on Paramount+ in the USA. Football Italia will provide live updates via a liveblog.
Serie A clubs were busy today as they race to wrap up deals before the transfer window closes on Monday.
Youssef Maleh joined Cremonese on loan from Lecce, Genoa activated their option to sign Leo Ostigard on a permanent deal and Cyril Ngonge and Luca Marianucci left Napoli on loan moves.
Which transfers were announced in Serie A on January 31, 2026?
Football Italia takes a look at every confirmed transfer involving clubs from Italy’s top flight today.
Ostigard joined Genoa on a permanent basis for just €5 million, after impressing on loan so far this season. Ngonge joined Espanyol on loan for €2 million, whilst M’Bala Nzola joins Sassuolo on loan from Fiorentina.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Cyril Ngonge of Torino FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Torino FC at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Lecce saw two players leave today, with Frenchman Balthazar Pierret returning to his home country with Red Star FC in Ligue 2, and Maleh joining fellow Serie A side Cremonese on loan until the end of the season.
All Serie A transfers confirmed on January 31, 2026
Balthazar Pierret – Lecce to Red Star FC (Undsc.)
Sandro Kulenovic – Dinamo Zagreb to Torino (Loan €500,000)
M’Bala Nzola – Fiorentina to Sassuolo (Loan)
Leo Ostigard – Stade Rennes to Genoa (€5 million)
Luca Marianucci – Napoli to Torino (Loan)
Youssef Maleh – Lecce to Cremonese (Loan)
Stefan Mitrovic – Verona to Asteras Aktor (Loan)
Cyril Ngonge – Napoli to Espanyol (Loan €2 million)
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