Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L. Skorupski (1) · S. Posch (3) · S. Beukema (31) · J. Lucumi' (26) · J. MIRANDA (33) · N. Moro (6) · G. Fabbian (80) · L. Ferguson (19) · D. Ndoye (11) · J. Karlsson (10) · T. DALLINGA (24)

Bologna favors a defensive solidity and a low block to frustrate opponents, utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before looking to hit teams on the break. The team stays compact to deny space between the lines, making it very difficult for opponents to find passing lanes through the middle.

L. Skorupski acts as the last line of defense in goal. In front of him, the back five consists of N. Moro as the central defender to clear the lines and provide height. S. Beukema and J. Lucumi' operate as the side centre-backs, where Beukema uses his aerial strength to win headers and Lucumi' covers the space behind. The wide defenders, S. Posch and J. MIRANDA, function as attacking wing backs who must track back to form a flat five when out of possession. They provide the necessary width to stretch the opposition when the ball is won back.

The midfield unit works as a flat four to maintain a narrow defensive block. G. Fabbian plays as the single pivot to shield the defense and intercept passes. Next to him, L. Ferguson and J. Karlsson work to compress the midfield and win the second ball. D. Ndoye occupies the right side of the midfield line to link the defensive unit with the attack. This group focuses on staying close together to force the opponent to play wide and prevent them from playing through the lines.

Up front, T. DALLINGA operates as a lone striker and target man. He is tasked to hold up the ball and wait for the midfield to push up. The team builds attacks through quick transitions where the wing backs, S. Posch and J. MIRANDA, provide the width by pushing high. This creates a situation where T. DALLINGA can receive lay offs or target crosses delivered from the flanks. The movement is designed to isolate defenders in one on one situations as the wingers and midfielders arrive late into the box.

Bologna finds success by using a very compact shape that is hard to break down. The formation offers great defensive stability and allows for quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. By having five defenders and four midfielders, the team creates a massive wall that forces the opposition to take low percentage shots from distance.

This formation is designed for a team that wants to defend deep and play on the counter. It is best suited for matches against high possession teams that struggle to break down a low block.