Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Svilar (Ryan) · Mancini (Smalling) · N'Dicka (?) · Angelinho (Dahl) · Celik (Abdulhamid) · Pellegrini (Bove) · Paredes (Cristante) · Le Feè (?) · Dybala (Baldanzi) · Soulè (El Shaaravi) · Dovbyk (Abraham)Roma looks to control games through aggressive numbers in the middle of the pitch using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup relies on a high press to win the ball back quickly and use a vertical style to catch opponents before they can settle. By pushing so many players forward, the team aims to dominate territory and force mistakes in the opposition half.
Svilar stays between the posts to act as the last line of defense. In front of him, N'Dicka and Mancini operate as a pair of central defenders in a high line. Mancini provides physical presence and aerial strength to defend against direct balls, while N'Dicka acts as a covering defender to sweep up any runs in behind. Because there are only two center backs, they must step up together to squeeze the space and maintain a high defensive line.
The midfield is the engine of this Roma system, acting as a dense five man unit. Celik operates as a single pivot to shield the defense and protect the two central defenders. Next to him, Angelinho and Paredes help to recycle possession and move the ball from deep. Pellegrini and Le Feè play more advanced roles to connect the midfield to the attack, with Pellegrini looking to drive forward with the ball and Le Feè looking to play through the lines to find the forwards.
An attacking trio creates constant pressure on the opponent back line. Dovbyk acts as the central striker and uses his strength to hold up the ball and pin the last defender. Soulè and Dybala operate as wide attackers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. Soulè uses his dribbling to beat his marker on the flank, while Dybala drifts into half spaces to find pockets of room. This front three works to press the opposition immediately to trigger a quick recovery of the ball.
This formation offers significant numerical superiority in the center of the pitch, making it difficult for opponents to keep the ball. The heavy presence of five midfielders allows Roma to control the tempo and create overloads in the middle. Additionally, the team can transition very quickly from a mid block into a direct attack, using the pace of the wide attackers to exploit gaps.
This 2-5-3 lineup is built for teams that want to dominate the ball and press high. It is best suited for matches where Roma can isolate opponents in one on one situations through their aggressive midfield numbers.