Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Djimsiti · Hien · Kolašinac · Bellanova · De Roon · Ederson · Ruggeri · De Ketelaere · Lookman · Retegui · Carnesecchi

Atalanta looks to dominate through a heavy high press and aggressive verticality. This 3-5-2 formation is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball high up the pitch. The team aims to recover possession quickly to launch direct attacks before the opponent can settle.

Carnesecchi acts as the foundation in goal. The back line consists of a back three that can step up to maintain a high defensive line. Hien provides aerial strength and aggression in the middle of the three, while Kolašinac and Djimsiti cover the flanks of the central unit. These three central defenders are tasked with winning the second ball and clearing the lines when the press is bypassed. The unit works as a cohesive block to deny space between the lines.

The midfield employs a three-man midfield with a carrier and a holding presence. De Roon sits deep to shield the defence and hold his position, allowing Ederson to drive forward with the ball and break the line. De Ketelaere operates in the hole, acting as an attacking ten behind the strikers to connect the lines and find the feet of the strikers. Bellanova and Ruggeri provide the necessary width as attacking wing backs, stretching the defence by pushing high up the pitch to support the central midfielders.

At the front, the team uses two forwards in a partnership. Retegui acts as a pressing centre-forward to harass the opposition back line, while Lookman plays as a mobile striker who often cuts inside to find pockets of space. The attack relies on combinations between the front two and De Ketelaere to create runs in behind. When the ball moves wide, Bellanova and Ruggeri look to deliver crosses to the near post or far post to create scoring chances.

This lineup offers significant advantages through wide overloads from overlapping wing backs and numerical superiority in the central areas. Atalanta can also utilize the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. The speed of transition is a key factor when the midfield wins the ball back.

This 3-5-2 setup is designed for an aggressive, high-intensity game. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.