Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Svilar (99) · L. ASSIGNON · G. Mancini (23) · E. Ndicka (5) · Angelino (3) · B. Cristante (4) · E. LE FEE (28) · L. Pellegrini (7) · M. SOULE' (18) · S. El Shaarawy (92) · A. DOVBYK (11)

Roma focuses on a heavy defensive block and quick transitions through a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to stay compact and soak up pressure before hitting opponents on the break. The goal is to remain hard to beat and use the width of the pitch to launch attacks when the ball is won back.

M. Svilar keeps things steady between the posts as the defensive unit works in a deep block. The back line consists of a central trio where B. Cristante, G. Mancini, and E. Ndicka sit narrow to protect the middle. Mancini and Ndicka provide aerial strength and cover for each other, while Cristante acts as a central anchor. On the flanks, Angelino operates as an attacking wing back to provide width, while L. ASSIGNON covers the right side. This five man unit works to keep the space between the lines small and forces the opposition to play wide.

The midfield works in a flat four to shield the back three. E. LE FEE sits in the defensive midfield role to protect the centre and win the second ball. L. Pellegrini operates as a central midfielder who connects the defensive and attacking lines, often finding ways to play through the lines. S. El Shaarawy and M. SOULE' operate in the half spaces, with S. El Shaarawy pulling wide to help the build up and M. SOULE' looking to drive forward with the ball. This group aims to squeeze the space in the middle and make it difficult for the opposition to pass.

A. DOVBYK leads the line as a lone striker and serves as a target man for long balls. He works to hold up the ball and wait for support from the midfield. When Roma wins the ball, the wing backs like Angelino push high to provide width, while the midfielders like Pellegrini and S. El Shaarawy push up to join the attack. The team looks to hit in behind the defence or use combinations to get to the byline. Dovbyk's role is to pin the last defender and create space for runners arriving late into the box.

Roma gains a clear advantage from their compactness when defending in a low block. The narrow positioning of Mancini, Ndicka, and Cristante makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the middle. Another strength is the ability to use the width of Angelino and L. ASSIGNON to switch play quickly once the ball is won. This allows Roma to stretch the defence during transitions and create one on one situations for the wide players.

This 5-4-1 formation is designed to be defensively solid and lethal on the counter. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.