Venezia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

F. STANKOVIC (35) · G. Altare (15) · J. Idzes (4) · M. Sverko (33) · A. Candela (27) · G. Busio (6) · A. DUNCAN (32) · F. Zampano (7) · G. ORISTANIO (11) · A. RAIMONDO (45) · J. Pohjanpalo (20)

Venezia plays a vertical brand of football designed to hit opponents on the break using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on quick transitions and direct movements to bypass the opposition. The primary goal is to use the width of the pitch to stretch the defense before finding the forwards in central areas.

In goal, F. STANKOVIC acts as the last line of defense. The back three consists of M. Sverko as the left centre-back, J. Idzes in the middle, and G. Altare as the right centre-back. Sverko and Altare provide cover while Idzes acts as the central pillar to win the second ball. This defensive unit often sits in a mid-block to deny space behind the line. The team looks to squeeze the space between the midfield and the defense to keep the formation compact.

The midfield operates with a high intensity to win the ball back. G. ORISTANIO plays as the attacking ten behind the two strikers, looking to find pockets of space between the lines. In the deeper areas, A. DUNCAN and G. Busio form a central pairing to connect the defense and attack. Busio helps to shield the defense while Duncan looks to carry the ball forward. On the flanks, F. Zampano and A. Candela act as wide midfielders who provide width and support the wing backs.

Venezia uses two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. J. Pohjanpalo serves as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and win headers. A. RAIMONDO plays alongside him as a second striker, looking to make runs in behind the defense. The attacking movements often involve Candela or Zampano pushing up to deliver crosses into the box. When the team wins the ball, they look to play through the lines quickly to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its central density. The presence of Busio and Duncan allows Venezia to control the middle of the pitch and win the second ball. The team can also create wide overloads when Zampano and Candela push forward to support the attack. This ability to shift between a compact mid-block and a quick counter at pace makes them difficult to play against.

This 3-5-2 setup is built for a high pressing game that seeks to exploit spaces during transitions. Venezia is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave gaps behind their defenders.