Serbia National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

23- VM Savic
4- N. Milenkovic
11- F. Kostic
2-S. Pavlovic
20- SM Savic
7- D. Vlahovic
9- A. Mitrovic
14- A. Zivkovic
6- N. Gudelj
5-N. Maksimovic
22- S. Lukić

Serbia focuses on a direct and physically imposing style of play using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to control the central areas and use vertical passing to catch opponents out of position. The Serbian national team looks to dominate through strength and high intensity when winning the ball back in the middle of the pitch.

VM Savic stays between the posts to organize the defense. The back three consists of N. Gudelj as the central defender, flanked by S. Pavlovic and N. Milenkovic. N. Milenkovic and S. Pavlovic act as the wider center backs to provide cover and strength in the air, while N. Gudelj holds the center to stop any direct runs. This unit works together to defend zonally and ensures the space behind the high line is protected by quick recoveries.

In the middle of the pitch, the team uses a three-man midfield to control the tempo. N. Maksimovic sits as the single pivot to shield the defense and disrupt opposition play. Beside him, S. Lukić and SM Savic operate as the central midfielders to connect the back line to the attack. SM Savic and S. Lukić look to win the second ball and carry the ball forward, while N. Maksimovic stays deep to recycle possession. This group works to squeeze the space in the center and prevent opposition playmakers from turning.

The attacking unit relies on a powerful two-man partnership in the front line. A. Mitrovic and D. Vlahovic act as the two forwards, with both players capable of playing as a target man to hold up the ball. A. Mitrovic uses his aerial strength to win headers, while D. Vlahovic looks to make runs in behind the defense. Wide players F. Kostic and A. Zivkovic provide the width, with F. Kostic often looking to get to the byline to deliver crosses. The team attacks in combinations through the center or through quick transitions to the flanks.

One major advantage for Serbia is the presence of aerial strength in both the defensive and attacking lines. The formation also creates numerical superiority in the central midfield, which allows the team to control the tempo of the game. The wide players help to stretch the defence, creating gaps for the two strikers to exploit.

This 3-5-2 formation provides a solid platform for a team that wants to dominate physically and play through the lines. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a narrow midfield and struggle to defend against direct service into the box.