Fiorentina Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Viviano (C) (27 Andres Fernandez)
6 Smalling (26 Koné)
5 Camporese (19 Milosevic)
24 Garay (4 Rojo)
2 Cosenza (27 Alaba)
21 Agyemang (56 Rubin)
8 Mahlangu (52 Pelizzoli)
10 Carraro (vc) (16 Koussalouka)
7 Callejon (11 Depay)
9 Remy (23 Benteke)
17 Mertens (18 Tavares)

Fiorentina relies on a high press and heavy verticality to overwhelm opponents through a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly find attackers in advanced positions. The team seeks to control the middle of the park through sheer numbers, creating constant pressure in the final third to force errors from the opposition defense.

Viviano (C) starts in goal, acting as the last line of defense behind a very narrow back two. Garay and Camporese form the central defensive pair, tasked with playing out from the back and covering large amounts of space when the team pushes high. These central defenders must be ready to sweep behind the high line if the opposition plays a long ball. Because there are no wide defenders in the initial defensive line, the central pair must stay compact and defend zonally to protect the middle.

The midfield is packed to control the center of the pitch and provide layers of support. Smalling operates as a single pivot, sitting deep to shield the defense and recycle possession. Cosenza plays as a second defensive midfielder to add more protection, while Mahlangu operates in the middle to connect the defensive and attacking lines. On the flanks, Carraro (vc) plays as a left attacking midfielder to drive forward, while Agyemang operates on the right to provide width and carry the ball forward. This five man unit allows Fiorentina to compress the midfield and squeeze the space available to the opponent.

The attack features three players across the front to pin the last defender. Remy acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Mertens plays as a left winger, often looking to cut inside and create chances, while Callejon operates on the right wing to provide wide service. These three forwards press from the front to disrupt the opposition build up. The movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow for quick combinations in the final third.

Fiorentina gains a major advantage through numerical superiority in midfield, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the center. The wide midfielders like Carraro (vc) and Agyemang can also create overloads against the opposition full backs. This formation also allows the team to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three and the five midfielders to trap the opponent in their own half.

This 2-5-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to dominate through high pressure and central control. It is best suited for games where Fiorentina can exploit a disorganized opposition midfield and strike quickly on the transition.