Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Carnesecchi (29) · I. Hien (4) · G. Scalvini (42) · S. Kolasinac (23) · Wesley · Ederson (13) · L. Samardzic · M. Ruggeri (22) · C. De Ketelaere (17) · A. Lookman (11) · M. Retegui (32)

Atalanta relies on a high press and heavy verticality through a 3-5-2. This formation is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly transition into attacking movements. The tactical identity centers on aggression and constant pressure to squeeze the space in the opponent half.

M. Carnesecchi starts in goal to anchor the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back three with G. Scalvini acting as a ball playing defender who can step into midfield. S. Kolasinac and I. Hien provide strength and cover, with Hien often using his aerial strength to win the second ball. This defensive unit functions as a cohesive block that can shift to catch opponents in an offside trap or drop into a low block if required.

The midfield uses a three man midfield with a carrier and two wide players to control the game. Ederson acts as the primary engine, driving forward with the ball and shielding the defense. L. Samardzic operates as an inverted eight to connect the lines and create from deep with his passing range. M. Ruggeri and Wesley play as attacking wing backs, providing width and overlapping the winger to create overloads. C. De Ketelaere sits in the hole behind the strikers to link play and arrive late into the box.

The attack features a two forward partnership designed to pin the last defender. A. Lookman plays as a left striker, often cutting inside to find space in the channels. M. Retegui acts as the central presence to hold up the ball and occupy the centre backs. These two forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The team attacks in combinations, using the wing backs to stretch the defense and provide cutbacks from the byline.

Atalanta offers several tactical advantages through this lineup. They achieve wide overloads from overlapping full backs which forces the opposition to pull players out of position. The high press in coordinated waves allows the team to win the ball back high up the pitch. This setup also provides great speed of transition to catch teams out of position.

This 3-5-2 formation is defined by its relentless pressing and vertical attacking intent. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.