Jay Idzes Anchors Sassuolo's Defence, Bologna Forces the Match to End 2-2

Bologna - Indonesia national team defender Jay Idzes has once again been trusted to start for Sassuolo. He played the full 90 minutes as Sassuolo were held to a 2-2 draw by Bologna on the third matchweek of the 2026/27 Serie A, held at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium, Bologna, Italy on Sunday (6/9/2026).

Jay Idzes occupied the centre-back position in the 4-3-3 formation deployed by Sassuolo's coach. The 25-year-old player formed a defensive partnership with Fede Leysen at the heart of Sassuolo's backline.

For Jay Idzes, this opportunity to feature from the very first minute is a positive signal, after he was previously left out of the matchday squad when Sassuolo faced Frosinone in the Coppa Italia Round of 32. Sassuolo won that fixture via a penalty shootout.

The match against Bologna was tightly contested. Sassuolo took the lead on two separate occasions, but Bologna always found a response before finally equalising during stoppage time.

Sassuolo opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Josh Doig scored after receiving a pass from Kieron Bowie, following an attacking sequence built up down the right flank. Doig converted the chance with a first-time strike to put Sassuolo 1-0 ahead.

Sassuolo maintained their lead going into the half-time break. Goalkeeper Arijanet Muric also made multiple saves to preserve the away side's advantage.

Bologna then equalised in the 50th minute. Roberto Piccoli scored with a header after connecting with a corner kick delivered by Juan Miranda, bringing the score to 1-1.

Sassuolo retook the lead six minutes later. Vasilije Adzic scored in the 56th minute after winning a physical duel and pouncing on a loose ball before going one-on-one with Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski. Adzic beat Skorupski to make the score 2-1.

Sassuolo actually created a number of chances to extend their lead, but their final execution failed to seal the victory. Bologna kept applying constant pressure right until the match entered added time.

The home side's efforts finally paid off in the 90+1st minute. Substitute player Artem Dovbyk scored the equaliser to make it 2-2. This goal also secured one point for Bologna on home ground.

Jay Idzes Reaffirms His Status As A Reliable Option In Sassuolo's Defence

Jay Idzes himself completed the full duration of the match. The Indonesia national team defender also recorded several crucial defensive actions. According to match statistical data, Idzes registered four clearances, one interception, and won two aerial duels.

This draw leaves Sassuolo on four points from three 2026/27 Serie A matches, placing them 10th in the provisional league standings. Bologna sits in 15th position with one point.

For Jay Idzes, this full 90 minute appearance against Bologna represents valuable additional game time with Sassuolo.

Regaining the trust to be named in the starting eleven also marks positive progress for the Indonesia international defender, as he competes for regular minutes in the Serie A club's defensive line.

Line-Ups:

Bologna: Lukasz Skorupski; Emil Holm, Arthur Theate, Torbjørn Heggem, Rahim Alhassane; Jens Odgaard, Tommaso Pobega, Lewis Ferguson; Federico Bernardeschi, Roberto Piccoli, Nicolò Cambiaghi.

Sassuolo: Arijanet Muric; Simone Cinquegrano, Jay Idzes, Fedde Leysen, Josh Doig; Vasilije Adžić, Nemanja Matić, Luca Lipani; Cristian Volpato, Kieron Bowie, Armand Laurientè.

Managers: Domenico Tedesco (Bologna), Alberto Aquilani (Sassuolo).