Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

E. AUDERO (1) · P. KOVACIK (20) · A. DOSSENA (13) · R. VARANE (19) · A. MORENO (18) · Y. ENGELHARDT (26) · L. MAZZITELLI (36) · G. Strefezza (21) · L. Da Cunha (33) · P. Cutrone (10) · A. BELOTTI (11)

Como focuses on a defensive solidity through a compact low block, utilizing a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to absorb pressure and hit teams on the transition. The tactical identity revolves around staying difficult to break down and using the width provided by the wing backs to stretch the opposition once the ball is won back.

E. Audero sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back five features Y. Engelhardt as the central man, flanked by Raphael Varane and A. Dossena in a staggered defensive line. Varane uses his reading of the game and aerial strength to sweep behind the line, while Dossena provides cover. The wing backs, P. Kovacik and A. Moreno, act as the primary wide outlets. They must track back to form a narrow defensive block when defending deep, but they are expected to push high to provide width when the team has possession.

The midfield is a three-man unit that focuses on controlling the central zone. L. Mazzitelli acts as a single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Beside him, G. Strefezza and L. Da Cunha operate in the half-spaces. Mazzitelli is tasked to win the second ball and disrupt the opposition play, while Strefezza and Da Cunha connect the defensive and attacking lines by carrying the ball forward. This group works to squeeze the space in the middle to prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

In the attacking phase, Como utilizes two forwards in a partnership. A. Belotti and P. Cutrone lead the line, often working in combinations to hold up the ball and wait for support. Cutrone plays as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line, while Belotti looks to find space between defenders. The attack relies on the wing backs to overlap and deliver crosses into the box. When the team breaks quickly, the forwards aim to run in behind the defence to exploit gaps.

One major tactical advantage for Como is the ability to maintain compactness when defending in a low block. This makes it very hard for opponents to find passing lanes into the penalty area. The formation also creates wide overloads when P. Kovacik and A. Moreno push up simultaneously, forcing the opposition to defend the flanks. This setup allows for a very quick transition from a deep defensive position to a dangerous attacking threat.

This 5-3-2 formation provides Como with a reliable way to stay defensively solid against heavy possession teams. It is best suited for games where the opponent dominates the ball and the team needs to exploit space on the break.