Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Hien · Scalvini · Kolasinac · Bellanova · Carnesecchi · Retegui · Samardzic · Pasalic · Zaniolo · Lookman · De Ketelaere

Aggressive and heavy on the press, Atalanta utilizes a 2-5-3 formation to dominate the pitch. This lineup is built to play vertical football, looking to win the ball high up the pitch and attack with immediate intensity. The team aims to suffocate the opposition in their own half through constant pressure. This style requires everyone to move together to keep the team compact.

Carnesecchi sits in goal as the lone goalkeeper. The defense consists of a central pair, Hien and Scalvini, who play in a high line. Hien is dominant in the air and uses his strength to win the header during defensive moments, while Scalvini acts as a ball playing defender who can step up to intercept passes. Because they play with only two center backs, they must be ready to cover and sweep behind the line to prevent through balls.

The midfield is a dense five man unit that controls the center. Kolasinac and Bellanova form a double pivot to shield the defense and protect the center backs. Samardzic and Pasalic act as two central midfielders who drive forward with the ball and connect the defensive and attacking lines. Zaniolo plays as an attacking ten in the hole, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines. This group works to squeeze the space and win it back high up the pitch.

The attack features three players across the front. Retegui works as a lone striker, looking to hold up the ball to allow others to join. Lookman and De Ketelaere operate as wide attackers, with Lookman often ready to cut inside from the left. This lineup creates many combinations in tight spaces and creates runs in behind. The front three press the opposition back line to force a long ball.

Atalanta gains a major advantage through numerical superiority in midfield. With five players in the middle, they can easily bypass the midfield of the opponent. The formation also creates wide overloads as the midfielders push out to support the wide attackers. The ability to press high in coordinated waves makes it very hard for opponents to play out from the back. This leads to many chances to hit in behind on the transition.

The 2-5-3 is a high intensity formation designed to overwhelm the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.