Monza Football Formation

Starting Lineup

S. TURATI (30) · A. Izzo (4) · P. Mari' (22) · A. Carboni (44) · P. Ciurria (84) · W. Bondo (38) · M. Pessina (32) · G. Kyriakopoulos (77) · D. Maldini (14) · D. Mota (47) · A. Petagna (37)

Monza focuses on a high press and rapid verticality, operating within a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly through the center. The goal is to squeeze the space in the middle and use the extra man in midfield to control the tempo of the game.

S. Turati acts as the foundation in goal, playing out from the back to start attacks. The defensive unit uses a back three where A. Izzo operates as the right centre-back and A. Carboni occupies the left centre-back spot. P. Mari' sits in the middle to anchor the line, often stepping up to intercept passes or win headers. The defensive line maintains a high line to keep the distance between the unit and the midfield tight, with the three defenders working to cover for any runners through the middle.

The midfield is a busy engine room that links the defence to the attack. M. Pessina acts as the captain and sits in the central area to shield the defence and recycle possession. W. Bondo works alongside him, often driving forward with the ball to carry it into the final third. D. Maldini plays as an attacking ten, finding space between the lines to create chances. On the flanks, P. Ciurria and G. Kyriakopoulos act as wide midfielders who provide the width, tracking back to help the defenders and pushing up to support the forwards.

In the attacking phase, Monza utilizes two forwards to pin the opposition back. A. Petagna operates as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and win the second ball. D. Mota plays alongside him, looking to make runs in behind the defence or move into the channels. The team attacks through central combinations, using the link-up play between the midfielders and the forwards to split the defence. The wingers will often stretch the defence, allowing the two strikers to operate in central pockets.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly through numerical superiority in the central midfield area. By using five players in the middle, Monza can dominate possession and press in coordinated waves. The wide midfielders also allow for quick transitions, shifting play from one side to the other to find gaps. This creates many situations to isolate wide players in one on one battles or deliver crosses into the box.

Monza relies on this aggressive 3-5-2 to dictate the rhythm of the match. This formation is best suited for facing teams that play with a narrow midfield or those that struggle to handle a high press.