Genoa Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Genoa relies on a high press and verticality to disrupt opponents, using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the space behind the opposition back line. The team looks to move the ball quickly through the thirds to catch the defense out of position.

Scavone stays between the posts to organize the defense. The back line functions as a back three where Camara plays as the left centre back and Coppola sits as the right centre back. Murayama holds the center as the main defender to win the header and clear the lines. Camara and Coppola must cover the space when the wingers push up, ensuring the team can defend zonally. They maintain a high line to squeeze the space in the middle.

The midfield operates with a central pairing of Ranuzzi and Cortese. Ranuzzi works to deny the pivot and protect the defenders while Cortese acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball. To provide width, Mareschi and D'Amato occupy the wide areas. Mareschi stays on the left to press in a mid-block, while D'Amato works on the right to track back and help the defense. This group connects the back three to the front three by playing short from the back and recycling possession.

In the attacking phase, the front line is composed of three players. Merli and Rougerie act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and find space between the lines. Carozza leads the attack as a lone striker. Carozza works to hold up the ball and lay it off to Merli and Rougerie when they arrive late into the box. Merli and Rougerie aim to get to the byline to whip it in for Carozza.

A major strength for Genoa is the ability to create wide overloads. By having Mareschi and Merli push forward together, they pin the last defender and create extra passing lanes. The team also shows great speed of transition, moving from a mid-block to an attacking position in seconds. This allows them to hit in behind on the transition and punish teams that leave space.

This 3-4-3 formation is best for a team that wants to dominate through high intensity and quick movement. It is particularly effective against teams that try to play out from the back with a slow tempo.