Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Dybala (Baldanzi) · Soulé (?) · Chiesa (El Shaarawy) · Dovbyk (?) · Pellegrini (Le Fee) · Paredes (Cristante) · Angelino (?) · Çelik (?) · Svilar (Ryan) · Ndicka (Kumbulla) · Mancini (Smalling)

Roma aims to play a vertical and direct game with this 4-2-4 formation. The lineup focuses on getting the ball to the front four as quickly as possible to catch the opposition out of position. By pushing many players forward, the team looks to overwhelm the defensive line through high intensity and rapid attacks.

Svilar sits between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back four functions as a flat back four where Çelik acts as a defensive wing back to provide stability on the right side. On the left, Angelino is expected to push high and provide width. Mancini and Ndicka form the central pairing, with Mancini using his strength to win the header and Ndicka acting as a covering defender to sweep behind the line when the team plays a high line.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to provide some protection for the back four. Paredes acts as the deep lying playmaker, looking to recycle possession and find the attackers with his wide passing range. Pellegrini plays as one of the two central players who connects the defensive and attacking lines, often looking to carry the ball forward into the half spaces. This pair must work hard to deny the turn of opposing midfielders and protect the space between the lines.

In the final third, Roma uses two forwards in a partnership consisting of Dybala and Dovbyk. Dybala often drops into the hole to link play, while Dovbyk acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win the second ball. Soulé and Chiesa operate as wide wingers on the flanks. Soulé prefers to cut inside to create shooting opportunities, while Chiesa uses his pace to hit in behind on the transition. This front four is designed to stretch the defence and create many runs in behind.

This formation offers significant advantages in terms of attacking numbers. Roma can create wide overloads when Angelino and Chiesa move into the same area, or when Soulé pulls wide to isolate a defender. The presence of Dovbyk and Dybala allows the team to play through the lines or use long balls to bypass the midfield. The heavy focus on the front four makes the team very dangerous during a quick break.

The 4-2-4 lineup is a high risk, high reward system built for aggressive attacking. It is best suited for matches where Roma needs to break down a low block or when facing an opponent that can be caught on the counter at pace.