ROME – Jay Idzes and Emil Audero are set to join the Indonesian national team after a weekend in Serie A that threw a wrench into the league’s standings picture. Both players featured prominently for their clubs, Sassuolo and Cremonese respectively, delivering results that defied expectations and added a layer of intrigue to the race for European qualification and the fight against relegation.
Idzes and Audero were both named to the Indonesia squad by coach John Herdman for upcoming FIFA Series matches scheduled for March 27th and 31st at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta. The Garuda will first face Saint Kitts and Nevis, followed by a match against either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands. The pair’s recent performances in Italy will undoubtedly provide a boost in confidence as they prepare to represent their nation.
Before linking up with the national team, both players were in action on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, in Serie A. Idzes started for Sassuolo in a match against Juventus, although Audero was in goal for Cremonese as they took on Parma. The outcomes of these matches proved to be far from predictable.
Cremonese, led by Audero, secured a victory over Parma, a result that ended a lengthy winless streak. This win marked Cremonese’s first triumph since December 2025, a significant turnaround for a team battling to avoid the drop. Prior to this victory, Cremonese had endured a difficult run of form, with only four draws in their previous 15 matches. The win moved them to 17th place in the Serie A table with 27 points, level with Lecce but with a game in hand. A win for Lecce in their next match could see them overtake Cremonese, highlighting the precarious nature of the relegation battle.
Meanwhile, Jay Idzes and Sassuolo managed a commendable 1-1 draw against Juventus in Turin. While Juventus took the lead through Kenan Yildiz in the 14th minute, Sassuolo held firm, and the match ultimately ended in a stalemate. The draw was not without its drama, as Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Muric was forced to save a penalty from Manuel Locatelli, preserving the point for his team. This result disrupted Juventus’s momentum in their pursuit of the league title.
The weekend’s results were a welcome change of pace for both Indonesian players ahead of international duty. For Audero, it was a long-awaited return to winning ways, providing a much-needed boost for both the player and his club. For Idzes, the draw against a formidable Juventus side demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to a positive result against a top team. It’s worth noting that Idzes committed a costly error during the match, but Muric’s penalty save ultimately bailed him out.
The performances of both Audero and Idzes will be closely watched by Indonesian fans as they prepare to represent their country. Their recent form in Serie A suggests they are both in good condition and capable of making a significant contribution to the national team’s efforts in the FIFA Series. The upcoming matches against Saint Kitts and Nevis and either Bulgaria or the Solomon Islands will provide a valuable opportunity for Indonesia to test themselves against international opposition and build momentum for future competitions.
The Serie A season continues to be tightly contested, and the results from this weekend have only intensified the drama. With both Cremonese and Sassuolo involved in crucial matches, the contributions of Audero and Idzes were particularly significant. Their ability to disrupt the established order and secure positive results will undoubtedly be remembered as they turn their attention to international duty with Indonesia.
Next up for both players is the international break, where they will join the Indonesian national team for their FIFA Series matches. Fans can follow the team’s progress on the PSSI website and through official social media channels. The matches are scheduled for March 27th and 31st at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, offering Indonesian fans a chance to see their national team in action and support their players on home soil.
Worth a look
