Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

V. Milinkovic-Savic (32) · R. Bellanova (19) · A. Masina (5) · P. Schuurs (3) · S. Coco (23) · S. Ricci (28) · K. Linetty (77) · G. Gineitis (66) · N. Vlasic (16) · A. Sanabria (9) · D. Zapata (91)

Torino plays with a clear intent to remain defensively solid while using a direct style to hurt teams on the break. This 5-3-2 formation relies on a compact block to deny space in the center. The lineup is built to absorb pressure and then use verticality to exploit gaps between the opposition defense and midfield.

V. Milinkovic-Savic stays between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. Behind a back three, S. Ricci acts as the central figure, often dropping deep to sweep behind the line while P. Schuurs and S. Coco operate as the wide center backs to cover the channels. R. Bellanova and A. Masina act as attacking wing backs, pushing high up the pitch to provide width. These wing backs must track back quickly to maintain a five man line when the team loses possession. The defenders focus on winning the second ball and clearing the lines when the opposition pushes forward.

The midfield works as a three man unit to protect the central area. K. Linetty and G. Gineitis play as central midfielders who sit in a mid block to intercept passes and win the ball. N. Vlasic plays as the attacking ten, operating in the hole behind the strikers to link the midfield and attack. Linetty works to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Gineitis helps to press in a mid block. This group connects the defense to the front two by recycling possession or playing through the lines to catch opponents off guard.

Torino utilizes two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. D. Zapata acts as the target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and flick on long passes. A. Sanabria plays alongside him as a second striker, looking to make runs in behind the defense or link up play in the channels. The attack relies on the wing backs, R. Bellanova and A. Masina, to provide width and deliver crosses into the box. When the team wins the ball back high up the pitch, the strikers press the opposition back line to force a long ball.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to maintain compactness when defending in a low block. The three central defenders and three midfielders make it very hard for opponents to play through the middle. Another advantage is the speed of transition when the wing backs push forward to create wide overloads. This allows Torino to quickly switch play and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This 5-3-2 formation provides a strong defensive base that is difficult to break down through the center. It is best suited for matches against possession heavy teams where Torino can sit deep and counter at pace.