Udinese Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Okoye (40) · F. Ebosele (2) · J. Zemura (33) · N. Perez (18) · T. Kristensen (31) · J. Bijol (29) · S. Lovric (4) · L. Samardzic (24) · F. Thauvin (26) · M. Martins · L. Lucca (17)

Udinese aims to play a direct and physical brand of football built around a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup seeks to absorb pressure and strike quickly through wide areas or vertical passes into the center. The team uses its defensive numbers to stay compact and then looks to exploit spaces left behind the opposition defense during transitions.

M. Okoye stands between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates as a back five with J. Bijol acting as the central anchor to win the header and clear the lines. N. Perez and T. Kristensen sit on either side of him as the wide centre-backs, providing cover and stepping into midfield when needed. F. Ebosele and J. Zemura act as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width. These wing backs must track back quickly to prevent being caught out on the break, while the central trio defends zonally to keep the block tight.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. S. Lovric and L. Samardzic operate in the middle, tasked with protecting the back line and recycling possession. S. Lovric works to shield the defense and win the second ball, while L. Samardzic uses his passing range to connect the defensive and attacking lines. This pairing must be disciplined to avoid leaving gaps between the midfield and the defensive block. They look to move the ball quickly to the flanks to start attacks.

Udinese employs three attackers across the front to stretch the opposition. L. Lucca acts as the target man, using his strength to hold up the ball and wait for support. M. Martins and F. Thauvin operate as wide attackers, with M. Martins looking to cut inside and F. Thauvin providing service from the right. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball, while the wingers look to get to the byline to deliver a cross. This attacking front relies on quick combinations to catch defenders off guard.

The main tactical advantages for Udinese come from their ability to defend in a narrow block and use the width of their wing backs. By having five defenders, they remain very hard to break down centrally. The wing backs, F. Ebosele and J. Zemura, create wide overloads that force the opposition to pull players out of position. This creates space for L. Samardzic to find the attackers through the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation provides Udinese with a reliable way to defend deep and strike on the break. It is a setup best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.