Udinese Football Formation
Starting Lineup
40. Okoye19. Ehizibue
11. Kamara
29. Bijol
30. Giannetti
18. Nehuén Pérez
5. Payero
8. Lovric
10. Thauvin
22. Brenner
17. Lucca
Udinese plays with high intensity and directness. This 3-4-3 formation is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and hit the opposition quickly. The team uses verticality and a high press to force errors in the opposition half.
Okoye stands between the posts to lead the defensive line. The back three consists of Giannetti, Bijol, and Nehuén Pérez. Bijol is dominant in the air and acts as the central stopper to win headers. Nehuén Pérez and Giannetti provide cover to the sides, with Nehuén Pérez often stepping up to intercept passes while the unit holds a high line. They work as a unit to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.
The midfield relies on four players to control the center of the pitch. Lovric sits deep to shield the defense and wins the second ball to keep play moving. Payero and Kamara act as the engine, driving forward with the ball and helping to recycle possession in the middle third. Ehizibue plays in an advanced role, looking to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive and attacking lines. This group works to compress the midfield and prevent opponents from turning.
The front line uses three attackers to stretch the defense. Lucca plays as a lone striker and acts as a target man to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Brenner and Thauvin provide the width and goal threat. Thauvin likes to cut inside from the right to create chances, while Brenner works to pull wide and stretch the defense. They look to hit in behind on the transition and aim to get to the byline to deliver early crosses or cut it back for the runners.
A key advantage of this Udinese lineup is the ability to press in coordinated waves, with the front three and Ehizibue triggering the press from the front. The formation also creates numerical superiority in the center when Payero and Kamara push up. This formation allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations when they win the ball back.
This 3-4-3 formation is defined by its aggressive pressing and verticality. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line or struggle to play short from the back.