Venezia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

F. Stankovic (35) · J. SCHINGTIENNE (25) · 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 looks to play a direct and vertical style of football using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on heavy pressing and quick transitions to catch opponents out of position. The goal is to use the midfield numbers to win the ball back and immediately look for the two forwards.

In goal, F. Stankovic keeps everything together from the back. The defensive unit operates as a back three with J. Idzes leading the line. M. Sverko plays as the left centre back to cover the channel, while J. SCHINGTIENNE acts as the right centre back. This trio can step up into midfield to help with ball progression or drop back to defend a low block. They must maintain a compact line to prevent runs in behind.

The midfield operates with a high degree of energy to control the center of the pitch. G. ORISTANIO acts as the attacking ten behind the striker, looking to play through the lines. In front of him, A. DUNCAN and G. Busio work to control the middle, with one looking to shield the defense and the other ready to drive forward with the ball. The wide areas are covered by F. Zampano and A. Candela, who function as wing backs. They must push up to provide width and track back to help the three defenders when out of possession.

Venezia utilizes two forwards to stretch the opposition defense. J. Pohjanpalo acts as the primary target man, using his physical presence to hold up the ball and win headers. Beside him, A. RAIMONDO plays as a second striker in the hole to find space between the lines. The attack relies on the wing backs to get to the byline and whip it in for the strikers. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition using the movement of both forwards.

One major advantage for Venezia is the ability to create wide overloads when F. Zampano and A. Candela push high. This forces the opposition to defend a massive amount of space. The formation also provides numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch, making it hard for opponents to play through the center. The coordination between the three centre backs and the wing backs allows the team to shift easily to cover wide threats.

This 3-5-2 formation is built for a high pressing game that seeks to dominate the central areas. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a wide game and leave gaps behind their midfield.