Empoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S. Perisan (1) · A. Ismajli (34) · S. SAZONOV (15) · M. VITI (21) · J. SAMBIA (7) · A. Grassi (5) · J. Fazzini (10) · Y. Maleh (93) · G. Pezzella (3) · L. COLOMBO (29) · S. ESPOSITO (99)

Empoli focuses on being defensively solid while looking to strike with verticality through a 3-5-2. This formation is built to control the central areas and use the wide midfielders to stretch the pitch. The team looks to win the second ball and move the ball quickly through the middle to the two forwards.

S. Perisan operates between the posts to start any build up from the back. The defensive unit uses a back three consisting of A. Ismajli as the right centre back, S. SAZONOV in the middle, and M. VITI on the left. A. Ismajli and M. VITI act as wide centre backs who cover the space behind the midfielders. S. SAZONOV stays central to win the header and clear the lines. The unit works to maintain a compact shape to deny the turn of opposition attackers.

In the middle of the pitch, Empoli utilizes a three man midfield with a carrier. A. Grassi sits deeper to shield the defence and recycle possession. J. SAMBIA and G. Pezzella operate in the half spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. J. Fazzini and Y. Maleh play as attacking midfielders who push higher to press aggressively and win the ball high up the pitch. This midfield group works to squeeze the space in the center and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

The attacking line uses two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. S. ESPOSITO and L. COLOMBO work together to find space between the defenders. L. COLOMBO often looks to hold up the ball while S. ESPOSITO looks to make runs in behind. The wide players J. Fazzini and Y. Maleh provide width to create overloads. This movement creates opportunities for cutbacks from the byline or through balls to the strikers.

One major advantage for Empoli is the numerical superiority in midfield that makes it hard for opponents to play through the center. The team can also use the wide midfielders to create overloads on the flanks. When they win the ball, the speed of transition allows them to hit in behind on the transition before the opposition can get organized.

This 3-5-2 formation offers a balance of defensive security and central strength. It is best suited for matches against teams that try to play through the middle and allow Empoli to counter at pace.