Empoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S. Perisan (1) · T. Ebuehi (24) · A. Ismajli (34) · M. Viti · G. Pezzella (3) · S. Walukiewicz (4) · J. Fazzini (21) · A. Grassi (5) · L. Ignacchiti · S. Esposito · L. Colombo

Empoli relies on a high press and quick transitions through a 3-5-2. This formation is built to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch and use the wings to stretch the opposition. By staying compact, the team can win the ball back high up the pitch and strike before the opponent can reset their lines.

S. Perisan stays between the posts to command the area and start play. The back three consists of S. Walukiewicz, M. Viti, and A. Ismajli. S. Walukiewicz acts as a ball playing defender who can carry the ball forward, while M. Viti and A. Ismajli focus on being dominant in the air and covering the space behind if the line steps up. This unit works to defend zonally and maintains a high line to keep the distance between the defense and the midfield small.

In the middle of the park, the team uses a three-man midfield with a carrier. A. Grassi sits deep to shield the defense and recycle possession, providing a screen for the back three. T. Ebuehi and G. Pezzella act as the engine room, with T. Ebuehi looking to drive forward with the ball into the half spaces. These players connect the defensive and attacking lines, ensuring that the team stays hard to beat while still being able to progress through the thirds.

The attacking front line features a partnership of two forwards. S. Esposito and L. Colombo work together to press the opposition back line from the front. J. Fazzini and L. Ignacchiti occupy the spaces on the flanks, acting as wide players who can pull wide to create width or move inside to support the strikers. This allows for combinations in tight spaces, with S. Esposito and L. Colombo looking to make runs in behind or receive lay offs to turn and strike.

The tactical strengths of this Empoli lineup lie in the ability to press high in coordinated waves and create numerical superiority in midfield. By pushing the wide players, J. Fazzini and L. Ignacchiti, higher up, the team can overload the wings and force the opposition to defend deep. This setup also allows for great speed of transition once the ball is recovered in the middle third.

This 3-5-2 formation is a robust way to control the central areas of the pitch. It is best suited for matches against teams that try to play out from the back and can be exploited with heavy pressure.