Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

DAVID / (El Shaarawy/Cherubini) · DYBALA / (Abraham) · SOULE / (Costa/Solbakken) · PELLEGRINI / (Baldanzi/Pagano) · PAREDES / (Cristante/Pissili) · LE FEE / (Bove) · ANGELINO / (Dahl) · KAYODE / (Celik) · NDICKA / (Valentin/Kumbulla) · MANCINI (Smalling) · SVILLAR / (Ryan)

Roma aims to control the tempo through direct play and verticality using a 4-4-2. This formation is built to transition quickly from a defensive block to an attacking unit that exploits gaps between the lines. By utilizing a four man midfield alongside two advanced forwards, the lineup seeks to overwhelm the opposition in the middle thirds and create chaos in the final third.

Svillar stands between the posts to manage the defensive line. A flat back four forms the base of the Roma defense, with Mancini and Ndicka operating as the central duo. Mancini provides physical presence and aerial strength, while Ndicka acts as a covering defender to sweep behind a high line. On the flanks, Angelino acts as an attacking full back to provide width, whereas Kayode maintains a more defensive stance to protect the right side. The unit works to stay compact and shift as a single block when the ball moves across the pitch.

The midfield functions with a single pivot and a diamond-like influence behind the strikers. Paredes sits in front of the defense to shield the back four and recycle possession. Next to him, Pellegrini and Le Fee operate as inverted eights who connect the defensive and attacking lines, with Pellegrini often looking to drive forward with the ball. Dybala plays as an advanced ten in the hole, occupying the half spaces to create chances. This midfield group is tasked to press aggressively to win the ball high and prevent opponents from building out from the back.

Roma uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. David acts as a pressing centre forward to harass the opposition back line, while Soule operates as an inverted winger playing from a wider starting position to cut inside. The team builds play through combinations in tight spaces, looking to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. Movements are designed to create runs in behind and allow Dybala to find space between the opposition midfield and defense. The wingers and full backs work to stretch the defence by pulling wide and delivering crosses into the box.

This lineup offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press in a mid-block and win the second ball. The presence of Dybala in the hole creates numerical superiority in the central areas, often leaving defenders uncertain whether to mark the midfielders or the strikers. Roma can also use the speed of transition to catch opponents out of position, especially when Le Fee or Pellegrini carry the ball forward quickly.

The 4-4-2 formation provides Roma with a balance of defensive compactness and attacking intent. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to manage high pressing and vertical passing lanes.