Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Defensive solidity and quick transitions define the identity of Torino, who operate in a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to play a vertical game where the team stays compact in the middle and uses the width of the pitch to stretch the defence.

Milinkovic-Savic guards the goal as a reliable shot stopper. The back line features a back three consisting of Masina, Coco, and Vojvoda. Masina and Vojvoda play as wide centre-backs to cover the flanks and can push up to support the midfield. Coco occupies the central role to win the header and clear the lines when under pressure. This defensive unit functions by holding a compact formation and using a mid block to squeeze the space between the lines.

The midfield operates with a five man unit, including a three man midfield with a carrier to control the center of the pitch. Ricci and Linetty work in the central areas to connect the defence and attack, with Ricci often looking to carry the ball forward. Ilic provides additional support in the central zone to win the second ball and protect the pivot. On the edges, Bellanova and Sosa act as wide players who must track back to defend and then push high to provide width. They help the team to recycle possession and switch play to the opposite side.

The attack is led by two forwards working in a partnership. Zapata operates as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and win the header. Sanabria plays as a second striker, often dropping into the hole to link up play or making runs in behind the defence. Sanabria and Zapata also work together to press the opposition back line and force a long ball. The team builds play through the wide areas, where Bellanova and Sosa look to get to the byline and whip it in for the strikers. This movement allows the forwards to attack in combinations and creates chances via cutbacks or by isolating defenders in one on one situations.

The tactical advantages of this formation include numerical superiority in the midfield to dominate possession in the central third. The team can also create wide overloads because Bellanova and Sosa can overlap the winger to stretch the opposition. When the team wins it back high up the pitch, they can break quickly to exploit the space behind the opponent's defence.

This 3-5-2 formation is a reliable way for Torino to maintain a compact lineup while remaining a threat on the counter. It is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession but leave gaps in behind when they commit players forward.