Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

CARNESECCHI (Rui Patricio / Rossi) · KOLASINAC (Djimsiti) · HIEN (Djimsiti / Toloi) · KOUSSONOU (Djimsiti / Godfrey) · DE ROON (Pasalic / Brescianini) · EDERSON (Sulemana) · RUGGERI (Zappacosta) · BELLANOVA (Cuadrado) · LOOKMAN (Zaniolo) · DE KETELAERE (Samardzic / Brescianini) · RETEGUI (Scamacca+ / De Ketelaere)

Atalanta focuses on high pressing and aggressive verticality through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly to exploit gaps in the opposition defense. By using a heavy pressing game, the team intends to disrupt the build play of the opponent and create scoring chances through constant pressure.

Marco Carnesecchi plays behind a back three that operates with a high line to squeeze the space. Hien acts as the central defender to win the header and command the middle of the defense, while Koussounou and Kolasinac act as wide centre-backs to cover the channels. These defenders must be ready to step up and intercept passes or track runners in behind. The unit works to maintain a compact block when the ball is lost to ensure they are not caught out of position.

The midfield functions as a double pivot combined with wide players. Ederson and De Roon form the central engine, with Ederson often tasked to carry the ball forward and De Roon to sit deep and shield the defense. Ruggeri and Bellanova operate as attacking wing backs to provide width and stretch the opposition defense. They push high to support the attack and are expected to track back quickly to help the defensive unit. This group links the back line to the front three by recycling possession and finding ways to play through the lines.

In the attacking third, Atalanta utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender. Retegui acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and hold up the ball, while Lookman and De Ketelaere operate as wide wingers. Lookman often cuts inside to create goal threats, while De Ketelaere looks to find space between the lines. The forwards work together to press the opposition back line and make runs in behind to catch defenders off guard. The team relies on quick combinations and width to create chances.

One major strength of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to force a long ball from the opponent. Atalanta also gains numerical superiority in wide areas when Bellanova and Ruggeri overlap the wingers. This creates overloads that make it difficult for the opposition to defend the flanks. The speed of transition also allows the team to hurt opponents before they can get organized.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a high intensity game where winning the ball high up the pitch is the priority. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.