Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Paredes (Esposito) · Le Fée (Bernabé) · Pellegrini (Baldanzi) · Dybala (Soulé) · Chiesa (El Shaarawy) · Dallinga (Azmoun) · Angeliño (Dahl) · Ndicka (Smalling) · Mancini (Leoni) · Bellanova (Celik) · Svilar (Ryan)Roma relies on a compact defensive block and quick transitions using a 5-4-1. This lineup is built to play a reactive style where the team sits deep to deny space. The tactical identity focuses on being defensively solid and hitting teams on the break.
Svilar operates in goal to lead the back line. The defensive unit uses a back five where Paredes, Ndicka, and Mancini form the central core. Mancini is dominant in the air and helps to clear the lines. Bellanova and Angeliño act as attacking wing backs to provide width in the final third. The three central defenders work to cover space and win the second ball while the wing backs track back to maintain the defensive block.
The midfield consists of a four man unit where Le Fée and Pellegrini occupy the central roles to control the middle. Le Fée acts as a carrier to drive the ball forward, while Pellegrini connects the defensive and attacking lines. Chiesa and Dybala play on the flanks but tend to cut inside. Dybala uses his passing range to split the defence with a through ball. This midfield unit works to squeeze the space and press in a mid-block.
Dallinga leads the line as a lone striker. He works to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to create room for others. Dybala and Chiesa act as inverted wingers who move into the half spaces to combine in tight spaces. This movement allows Bellanova and Angeliño to overlap the winger and deliver crosses. The attack is built in transition to catch the opposition out of position. Dallinga looks to find the feet of his teammates to lay it off.
A major strength is the ability to maintain compactness when defending. The back five and the midfield four create a hard block that is difficult to penetrate. The team also finds success through wide overloads as the wing backs push high to stretch the defence. This formation allows Roma to hit in behind on the transition with speed and catch teams on the break.
The 5-4-1 formation is an effective way for Roma to remain defensively solid. It is best suited for facing opponents that dominate possession and play with a high defensive line.