Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

21 Hart (1 Begovic)
36 Darmian (C) (13 Peres)
33 Matip (29 Zouma)
33 N'Koulou (25 Glik (vc))
2 Santon
6 Acquah (26 Vossen)
20 Sissoko (57 Sala)
22 Obi (18 Ceccarelli)
18 Stefanovic (8 Busellato)
17 John (7 Verdi)
9 Benteke (11 Comi)

Torino favors a direct and defensive style of play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and catch opponents on the break with vertical movement. The primary goal is to remain difficult to break down while using the width of the pitch to create chances during transitions.

Between the posts, Hart stays alert to command his area and manage the defensive line. The back five functions as a compact block to deny space between the lines. Acquah sits in the center of the three, acting as the primary stopper to win the second ball. To his sides, Matip and N'Koulou provide coverage, with Matip acting as a ball playing defender to start moves. Darmian, serving as the captain, operates as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width. Santon plays as the left wing back, tasked with tracking back to form a back five when defending and pushing up to support the flanks.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the central zone. Sissoko works to drive forward with the ball and cover large areas of the pitch, while Obi sits deeper to shield the defence and intercept passes. These two midfielders are responsible for connecting the defensive unit to the front three. When the team wins the ball, Obi looks to recycle possession or find the wide players quickly. The duo must work to press in a mid-block to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

In the final third, Torino uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Benteke acts as a target man, using his aerial strength to hold up the ball and bring others into play. John stays wide on the left as an inverted winger, looking to cut inside and create scoring opportunities. Stefanovic operates on the right wing, ready to deliver crosses or run in behind. The front line must press from the front to force a long ball and prevent the opposition from building from the back.

This formation offers significant defensive stability through the use of a back five. Torino can create wide overloads when Darmian and Santon push up to overlap the wingers. The team is also capable of winning the second ball in the middle of the pitch to launch quick attacks.

The 5-2-3 lineup provides a solid foundation for a team looking to defend a lead or play against heavy possession sides. It is best suited for games where the team needs to sit deep and hit the opponent on the transition.