Napoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

BUONGIORNO · MARIN · LOBOTKA · KVARATSKHELIA · DAVID NERES · SPINAZZOLA · KEPA · HERMOSO · MCTOMINAY · DI LORENZO · LUKAKU

Napoli relies on a high press and rapid verticality within a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. The team focuses on aggressive transitions to catch the opponent out of position before they can settle into a defensive block.

Kepa starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back three consisting of Hermoso, Buongiorno, and Marin. Hermoso and Marin act as wide centre-backs who can cover the spaces left by the wing backs, while Buongiorno acts as the central defender to win the header and clear the lines. The unit aims to hold a high line to squeeze the space between the lines and keep the game in the opponent half.

The midfield operates with a central pairing of Lobotka and McTominay. Lobotka acts as a deep lying playmaker to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker, while McTominay provides energy to press aggressively and arrive late into the box. Di Lorenzo and Spinazzola operate as the wing backs, providing the necessary width to support the attack. These wide players must track back to help the back three and prevent crosses from the flanks.

Napoli employs three attackers across the front line to pin the last defender. Lukaku acts as the target man to hold up the ball and allow others to move into space. Kvaratskhelia plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create, while David Neres operates on the right to provide directness. This front three works to press from the front, forcing the opposition to play long balls and allowing the defenders to win the second ball.

One major advantage for Napoli is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Di Lorenzo and Spinazzola. The presence of McTominay and Lobotka allows for numerical superiority in the center of the pitch when they push up. The team also benefits from a high press in coordinated waves, using the front three to trigger the pressure that the midfield then follows up to win the ball back quickly.

This 3-4-3 formation allows Napoli to dominate territory through intense pressing and wide attacking movements. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back or leave large spaces behind their defensive line.