Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Svilar (99) · G. Mancini (23) · C. Smalling (6) · E. Ndicka (5) · B. Cristante (4) · M. Soule' (18) · El Shaarawy (92) · T. Baldanzi (35) · L. Pellegrini (7) · A. Dovbyk (9) · P. Dybala (21)

Roma aims to play a direct and vertical style of football using a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup focuses on being hard to beat and hitting the opponent quickly once the ball is won. The team relies on a compact block to deny space between the lines and looks to use the pace and technical ability of the forward pairing to punish mistakes.

M. Svilar stays between the posts to manage the defensive line. In front of him, the back four operates with a strong central presence. G. Mancini acts as a wide defender who can tuck in, while E. Ndicka provides cover on the left side. C. Smalling and B. Cristante form the central duo, with Smalling using his aerial strength to win headers during defensive phases. This unit works to keep a tight line and squeeze the space when the opposition tries to move forward.

The midfield unit works in a flat four to maintain balance across the pitch. L. Pellegrini operates in the left central role, looking to connect the defense to the attack and arrive late into the box. T. Baldanzi plays alongside him in the right central spot to drive forward with the ball. On the flanks, El Shaarawy and M. Soule' provide width and work hard to track back when the team loses possession. This group aims to win the second ball and immediately look to play through the lines.

Roma utilizes two forwards in a partnership to stretch the opposition. A. Dovbyk acts as a pressing centre-forward who can hold up the ball and use his physical presence to pin the last defender. P. Dybala plays as a second striker in the hole, looking to find space between the lines and create chances. The team builds attacks by moving the ball quickly to the wingers, who look to get to the byline and deliver crosses. This combination of a physical striker and a technical second man creates constant movement.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create numerical superiority in the central areas when the two midfielders and two forwards compress the pitch. Roma can also exploit wide areas through the movement of El Shaarawy and M. Soule'. The pairing of Dovbyk and Dybala allows the team to attack in combinations, making it difficult for a back four to mark both players effectively during transitions.

This 4-4-2 formation provides a balance of defensive solidity and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that play with a high line or leave large gaps between their midfield and defense.