Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

M. Carnesecchi (29) · I. Hien (4) · G. Scalvini (42) · S. Kolasinac (23) · R. BELLANOVA (16) · Ederson (13) · L. SAMARDZIC (24) · M. Ruggeri (22) · C. De Ketelaere (17) · A. Lookman (11) · M. RETEGUI (32)

Atalanta relies on a high press and intense verticality, utilizing a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opposition with speed and directness. The team looks to squeeze the space in the opponent's half and move the ball forward quickly once possession is regained.

M. Carnesecchi operates between the posts, acting as the foundation for the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back three where I. Hien plays as the right centre-back to provide physicality, while S. Kolasinac holds the left centre-back position. G. Scalvini acts as the central defender, capable of stepping into midfield to support the build up or covering space when the line is high. The defensive unit works to maintain a compact shape, forcing the opposition into wide areas where they can be trapped.

The midfield is a busy engine room designed to control the center of the pitch. Ederson works as a carrier in the central area, driving forward with the ball to transition the team. L. SAMARDZIC operates as a creator from deep, looking to find teammates with his passing range. C. De Ketelaere plays as an attacking ten behind the two strikers, finding pockets of space to connect the midfield and the attack. On the flanks, R. BELLANOVA and M. Ruggeri act as attacking wing backs, providing width and stretching the defence by pushing high up the pitch.

At the front, Atalanta employs two forwards in a partnership to pressure the opposition back line. A. Lookman operates as a mobile striker who can drift wide to isolate defenders, while M. RETEGUI acts as a focal point to hold up the ball and finish chances. The attack relies on the wing backs to provide service through crosses and cutbacks from the byline. When the team wins the ball, they look to hit in behind on the transition, using the movement of Lookman and RETEGUI to stretch the opposition.

One major strength of this Atalanta lineup is the ability to create wide overloads when R. BELLANOVA and M. Ruggeri push forward. This forces the opposition to defend a massive area, often leaving gaps for the central players to exploit. Additionally, the team can press in coordinated waves, using the front three and the midfield to deny the opponent time on the ball. This creates high turnover opportunities in dangerous areas.

This 3-5-2 formation is designed for high intensity and aggressive hunting of the ball. It is best suited for games where the team can exploit a high defensive line or overwhelm opponents through physical presence and speed.