Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 (WIDMER D'AUTILIA)
2 (FIASCHI)
3 (DIMISTRIN)
4 (DI COSTANZO)
5 (VASSALLO)
6 (TSIOUNGARIS)
8 (SAPUTO)
10 (ARMANINI)
7 (TOROC)
9 (CASTALDO)
11 (CASTILLO)

Bologna intends to play a direct and vertical game through a 4-4-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the second ball and strike quickly on the transition to catch opponents off guard. The team aims to keep the lines tight to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch and deny the turn of the opposition playmakers.

The goalkeeper 1 stays behind a flat back four to guard the goal. Defenders 5 and 6 act as the central pair, with one player often acting as a ball playing defender to progress through the thirds while the other covers the space behind a high line. On the flanks, 2 and 3 provide the wide cover. Player 2 will push up to overlap the winger, while 3 stays to mark runners and prevent long balls. The defensive unit works to move together and hold a narrow defensive block to protect the box.

In the middle, 4 and 8 form a double pivot to control the centre. Player 8 works to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces, while 4 stays deeper to shield the defence and intercept passes. On the wings, 7 and 10 provide the width and are tasked to track back and help the full backs during defensive phases. This midfield four works to compress the midfield and force the opponent to play wide into less dangerous areas.

The attack features a partnership between 11 and 9. Player 9 often acts as a target man to hold up the ball and link up play with the midfield, while 11 looks for runs in behind to hit the line. The width comes from 7 and 10, who aim to get to the byline and deliver early crosses. When defending, 11 and 9 press from the front to trigger a press and force a long ball from the opposition.

This 4-4-2 offers clear tactical advantages like the ability to maintain compactness when defending. By keeping the lines close, Bologna makes it difficult for the opposition to play through the lines or find the feet of the striker. There is also the ability to create wide overloads when 2 or 3 overlap the wingers to cross on the run or cut it back into the danger zone.

This formation relies on discipline and work rate in both halves of the pitch. It is a lineup best suited for matches against teams that struggle to break down a low block or deal with physical forwards.