Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

V. Milinkovic-Savic (32) · S. COCO (23) · G. MARIPAN (13) · A. Masina (5) · M. PEDERSEN (16) · S. Ricci (28) · I. Ilic (8) · B. SOSA (24) · N. Vlasic (10) · C. ADAMS (18) · D. Zapata (91)

Torino aims to be a hard team to break down by using a high press and quick transitions through a 3-5-2. This formation relies on a compact unit that can squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch while looking to hit opponents on the break. The lineup is designed to stay narrow when defending and then spread wide quickly once the ball is won.

In goal, V. Milinkovic-Savic acts as the last line of defense, using his height to command the area. The back three consists of A. Masina as the left centre-back, G. MARIPAN in the middle, and S. COCO as the right centre-back. These defenders work in a zonal line, with MARIPAN often acting as the central anchor. Masina and COCO provide cover for the wide players, ensuring the team can defend against long balls or quick movements in the channels. They aim to hold the line and stay compact to deny the turn to any attacking players.

The midfield is built around a three-man midfield with a carrier and two wide players providing width. N. Vlasic plays in the hole behind the strikers, acting as the main link between the lines. S. Ricci and I. Ilic operate in the central areas to win the second ball and recycle possession. To provide width, M. PEDERSEN and B. SOSA push up the flanks. Pedersen and Sosa are tasked to cover the entire wing, helping the defense when out of possession and looking to deliver crosses when the team moves forward.

Torino uses a two-man forward partnership to pin the last defender of the opposition. D. Zapata acts as the target man, using his aerial strength to win headers and hold up the ball. C. ADAMS plays alongside him, looking to make runs in behind and exploit the space created by Zapata. The team builds the attack by playing through the lines or using the wide players to stretch the defense. When the ball reaches Vlasic, he looks to play a one-two or a through ball to the forwards.

One major advantage of this 3-5-2 is the ability to create wide overloads from the wing backs. When M. PEDERSEN and B. SOSA push high, they force the opposition to pull their defenders wide, which creates gaps in the middle for Ricci or Ilic to exploit. Additionally, the team offers compactness when defending in a mid-block. This makes it very difficult for opponents to pass through the center, often forcing them to play long or out wide where the back three can deal with the ball.

This formation provides a solid foundation for a team that wants to dominate the central areas and strike with speed. It is best suited for matches against possession based teams that leave space behind their defensive line.