Napoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Meret · Hermoso · Buongiorno · Calafiori · Di lorenzo · Chiesa · Lobotka · Rabiot · Anguissa · Kvara · Zirzkzee

Napoli plays with a high press and verticality using a 3-5-2. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with speed. The team looks to play direct when possible to catch the opponent out of position and exploit gaps.

Meret operates in goal to command the area and sweep behind. The defensive unit uses a back three with Hermoso, Calafiori, and Buongiorno. Buongiorno relies on his aerial strength to win the header and protect the goal. Hermoso acts as a ball playing defender to play short from the back, while Calafiori and Buongiorno work as wide centre backs to cover the space and hold the line. This back three works together to squeeze the space and maintain a high line.

The midfield is anchored by Lobotka who plays as a deep lying playmaker. He uses his passing range to recycle possession and break the line. Di lorenzo and Chiesa occupy the central roles to drive forward and carry the ball forward. Anguissa and Rabiot play in the wide areas to provide width and help the team spread wide. Anguissa uses his physicality to win the second ball and disrupt the opponent. This midfield group works to compress the midfield and deny the turn.

Up front, Kvara and Zirzkzee work as a pair of forwards. Kvara uses his dribbling to cut inside and isolate defenders in one on one situations. Zirzkzee focuses on making runs in behind to stretch the defence. They press from the front to trigger a press and force a long ball. The duo works to combine in tight spaces and create chances.

Napoli finds success through numerical superiority in midfield when the wide players move inside. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows them to win it back high up the pitch. The speed of transition is a key tool to hit in behind on the transition.

This 3-5-2 formation is best suited for teams that want to dominate the ball and force the opponent into mistakes. It is a powerful lineup when facing teams that struggle to play out from the back.