Fabio Grosso Critiques Jay Idzes After Sassuolo Loss to Lazio
ROME – US Sassuolo suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Lazio on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that has prompted a candid assessment from manager Fabio Grosso. The Indonesian captain, Jay Idzes, likewise found himself under scrutiny following the Serie A contest. The loss sees Sassuolo sitting ninth in the league table, just ahead of Lazio in tenth.
Early Setback and Response
Lazio struck quickly, with Daniel Maldini finding the net just two minutes into the match. This early goal put immediate pressure on Sassuolo, forcing them to respond. According to reports, Sassuolo struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages of the game. However, before halftime, Armand Lauriente equalized for the visitors, leveling the score at 1-1 and injecting renewed hope into the Neroverdi.
Late Drama at the Olimpico
The second half proved to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating opportunities. However, the decisive moment came deep into injury time when Adam Marusic scored for Lazio, securing a 2-1 victory for the Roman club. The late goal was a blow to Sassuolo, who were hoping to build on their recent form.
Grosso Points to Maturity and Approach
Following the match, Fabio Grosso was forthright in his assessment of Sassuolo’s performance. He acknowledged that his team didn’t begin the game with the desired intensity. “We didn’t approach it well,” Grosso stated, as reported by Sassuolocalcio.it. “We are doing something important in this championship, but we lack a bit of maturity in certain moments.” He further elaborated that despite a positive reaction after conceding the early goal, his team ultimately fell short.
Grosso also noted a dip in energy levels towards the finish of the match, allowing Lazio to capitalize. “In the finale, our energy levels dropped a bit, Lazio came out strong, and we committed some naive mistakes that proved costly,” he explained. He also pointed to struggles in transitioning from defense to attack and missed opportunities on the counter. Despite the disappointment, Grosso emphasized the progress the team has made this season.
Idzes Reflects on the Match
Jay Idzes, the captain of the Indonesian national team, also shared his thoughts after the match. He expressed disappointment with the result, stating, “We leave the field with zero points, it’s a shame.” Idzes acknowledged a unhurried start from Sassuolo, admitting they didn’t perform to their usual standards in the opening 20 minutes. “We made too many passes, and then we managed to obtain back into it with a great goal from Lauriente,” he said.
Despite creating chances in the second half, Sassuolo ultimately couldn’t find a winning goal. Idzes conceded that they conceded a late goal, resulting in a defeat. He remained optimistic, however, emphasizing the team’s potential for growth. “This result doesn’t erase the positive momentum, but we can always do more, improve, and grow,” Idzes stated. He acknowledged the team’s season has been characterized by both highs and lows, and their ambition is to continue improving over the remaining 10 matches.
Sassuolo’s Season So Far
The defeat against Lazio represents a setback for Sassuolo, but they remain in a relatively comfortable position in the Serie A standings. Currently ninth, they are only one point ahead of Lazio, highlighting the competitive nature of the league. According to Transfermarkt, Jay Idzes joined Sassuolo in August 2025 and is currently valued at €10.00 million. The defender acquired Indonesian citizenship in December 2023, adding another layer to his international profile.
Whereas Grosso acknowledges the team’s progress, he also stresses the need for greater consistency and maturity. The remaining matches will be crucial for Sassuolo as they aim to secure their position in the league and potentially challenge for a higher finish. The team’s ability to learn from their mistakes and maintain a strong team spirit will be key to their success.
What’s Next for Sassuolo?
Sassuolo will look to rebound from this defeat in their next Serie A fixture. Details regarding their upcoming opponent and match schedule are expected to be announced shortly. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and information through the official Sassuolo Calcio website and social media channels.
This match serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by teams in the highly competitive Serie A. While Sassuolo has shown promise this season, they will need to maintain a high level of performance and address the areas identified by Grosso to achieve their goals.
The performance of Jay Idzes will continue to be a focal point for both Sassuolo fans and Indonesian supporters. His leadership and defensive contributions will be vital as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
