REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- PSSI continues to strengthen the Indonesian national team to realize the dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Once Ole Romeny's naturalization process goes according to plan, PSSI is certain to naturalize three more players. This good news was delivered by PSSI General Chairman Erick Thohir in Senayan, Jakarta, Saturday (22/2/2025).
One of the names that will undergo the naturalization process is Emilio Audero Mulyadi. He has long been associated with the Indonesian national team because he has a native Indonesian father and was born in Lombok.
Emil's father is Edy Mulyadi, while his mother Antonella Audero is Italian. Emil was born on 18 January 1997 in Mataram, NTB. In 1998, his family moved to Italy.
Emil is an experienced goalkeeper in the Italian league. He began his career in the Juventus academy. Emil was promoted in 2016 to the Juventus senior team, but was loaned to Venezia and Sampdoria.
Sampdoria recalled him in 2019, but in 2023 he was loaned to Inter Milan and only made four appearances. Emil then joined Como in 2024, but is currently on loan to Palermo who compete in Serie B. His presence is required to be a contender for Maarten Paes.
“The current main goalkeeper Maarten Paes is outstanding, but as a footballer there is definitely a risk of injury. He also said competition was needed, so we chose Emili Audero who has rich experience playing in Italy. As for the third goalkeeper, we will choose a young goalkeeper,” Erick told the media.
Emily has long been told that she will undergo naturalization, but it will not be until next week that the process will begin. According to Erick, each player has their own life dynamics. He seemed to have no problem with Emil just accepting an offer to join the Indonesian national team now.
Besides Emil, two other names are Dean James and Joey Palupessy. No names of Jairo Riedewald or Miliano Jonathan were previously reported. All three players will undergo naturalisation next week and are expected to strengthen Indonesia's squad against Australia on March 20.
Erick explained that the players to be naturalized are all in the knowledge of the coach and the National Team Agency, so as the team needs. In addition to the goalkeeper position, a central player is also needed.
According to Erick, there used to be Jairo Riedewald's name that had agreed to be naturalized, but unfortunately the required letter was not yet strong. “We don't want to be denied by FIFA, as if we are imposing so we choose Joey Pallupessy who will line the midfield,” Erick said.
“We need five midfielders. Joy Pallupessy's choice, he's an experience player who once played in the Netherlands and was last captain at the club, now in the Belgian league. We expect him to be able to support the midfield strength of the Indonesian national team,” Erick added.
Dean James has a grandfather from Semarang and a mother from Surabaya. Currently, he defends Go Ahead Eagles in the Dutch League.
“We also need wingers who can help the attack. These three players will be processed, next week will be processed so that they can play at the end of March. I have reported to the President, Menpora, and the Parliament. This is all to ensure the strengthening of the Indonesian national team to achieve our dream of qualifying for the World Cup,” he said.
Erick confirmed that all naturalization processes for both senior national teams, as well as U-17 and U-20 started from discussions with BTN. The coach also gave his approval.
“We are all transparent. Moral responsibility when it can be supported by government and society should not be abused,” Erick stressed.
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