Jay Idzes is riding a wave of high motivation in the 2025/2026 Serie A season with Sassuolo. The 25-year-old center-back played a pivotal role in helping his team secure a 3-1 victory against Pisa during the 23rd week of the league at Stadio Arena Garibaldi on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Sassuolo’s win marked the club’s second consecutive victory, following a narrow 1-0 win over Cremonese last week, and helped the Neroverdi comfortably occupy 10th place in the league with 23 points.
Solid Defensive Partnership
Jay Idzes continued his partnership with Tarik Muharemovic as Sassuolo’s first-choice central defenders. Despite conceding one goal, the duo provided stability at the heart of the defense. Domenico Berardi opened the scoring in the 25th minute, followed by an unfortunate own goal from Pisa’s Antonio Caracciolo just before halftime. Pisa managed to pull one back through Michel Aebischer, but Ismael Kone sealed the win in the second half, ensuring all three points for Sassuolo.
Idzes’ defensive awareness and composure were key factors in maintaining control, particularly in high-pressure moments when Pisa threatened to equalize.
Focus Shifts to Inter Milan
With the victory in Pisa secured, Sassuolo now prepares to face Serie A leaders Inter Milan at MAPEI Stadium this weekend, on Monday, February 9, 2026, early WIB.
The task will be challenging, as Inter Milan is currently the strongest team in the league, having amassed 55 points and remaining undefeated in their last 11 Serie A matches with 10 wins and one draw. The Nerazzurri squad also boasts several high-profile players, including Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram, who will directly challenge Jay Idzes on the pitch.
Despite the looming challenge, Idzes carries momentum from Sassuolo’s recent performances. “Three important points in Pisa,” Idzes wrote on his personal Instagram account @jayidzes on Monday night, February 2, 2026, reflecting his growing confidence ahead of the clash with Inter.
In the first meeting of the season, Sassuolo lost 1-2 to Inter Milan on September 22, 2025. Idzes played the full 90 minutes in that match, recording 13 defensive contributions, 2 tackles, 9 clearances, and 6 recoveries, showing his reliability in high-stakes encounters.
Impressive Performance Against Pisa
During the recent match against Pisa, Idzes delivered a strong defensive display throughout the 90 minutes. He touched the ball 44 times and maintained an impressive pass accuracy of 93%, with three passes reaching the final third of the opponent’s field.
Defensively, Idzes recorded one tackle, one goal-line clearance, two blocks, six clearances, two interceptions, and seven loose-ball recoveries. The standout moment came in the 51st minute when Idzes stopped Mehdi Leris from scoring on an open goal, a decisive intervention that preserved Sassuolo’s lead.
Italian media outlet Sassuolo News highlighted the performance of the Neroverdi players, particularly Idzes. “A tackle slid just inches from the goal line when the score was 1-2, potentially preventing a goal. If Pisa had scored, the game could have ended 2-2, altering the match’s outcome,” the report noted.
Consistency This Season
Jay Idzes has been a model of consistency this season, featuring in 22 Serie A matches for Sassuolo and starting every single game. He has accumulated 1,979 minutes on the pitch, maintaining an average match rating of 6.75, reflecting his steady influence in both defensive and build-up phases.
His reliability and leadership at the back provide Sassuolo with the foundation needed to compete against stronger Serie A sides, including the upcoming challenge against Inter Milan.
Preparing for the Big Test
Looking ahead, Idzes’ recent performances give Sassuolo fans reason for optimism. Facing a powerhouse like Inter Milan will test the defender’s tactical awareness, positioning, and resilience against world-class attackers.
Coach Fabio Grosso is expected to rely on the experienced pairing of Idzes and Muharemovic, aiming to absorb pressure and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. Idzes’ confidence, sharpened by victories against Pisa and Cremonese, will be vital for Sassuolo’s defensive strategy in containing players like Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.
This upcoming encounter offers a chance for Idzes to showcase his development further and cement his reputation as a key figure in Sassuolo’s defense this Serie A season.
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