Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Mile Svilar · Gianluca Mancini (captain) · Evan Ndicka · Angelino · Manu Kone · Niccolo Pisilli · Bryan Cristante · Alexis Saelemaekers · Stephen El Shaarawy · Paulo Dybala · Artem Dovbyk

Roma relies on a high press and quick transitions within a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch to catch opponents out of position. The team looks to move the ball forward quickly once possession is regained, using vertical passing to reach the front two.

Mile Svilar stands between the posts to anchor the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back three, with Angelino acting as the right centre-back, Gianluca Mancini in the middle, and Evan Ndicka on the left. Mancini serves as a dominant presence in the air and a leader in the central zone. Angelino and Ndicka need to be ready to step up and squeeze the space when the team pushes forward. The defensive unit works to hold a compact shape and protect the central area.

The midfield features a single pivot with Manu Kone acting as the shield to protect the defenders. Bryan Cristante operates in the left central midfield role, providing strength and helping to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Niccolo Pisilli plays as the right central midfielder to help drive the ball forward. Alexis Saelemaekers and Stephen El Shaarawy occupy the wide attacking midfield roles, providing the width needed to stretch the defence. These players work to win the second ball and recycle possession to maintain pressure.

In the attacking third, Roma uses a partnership of two forwards. Artem Dovbyk acts as a physical presence to hold up the ball, while Paulo Dybala plays as a second striker who can drop into the hole to create. This combination allows for effective link-up play between the lines. The wide players, Saelemaekers and El Shaarawy, look to provide service from the flanks, often looking to cut inside or deliver crosses. The forwards press the opposition back line to force long balls and prevent easy buildup.

A major strength of this Roma lineup is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. The presence of Dybala and Dovbyk provides a balance of creativity and physical power in the final third. Furthermore, the midfield can quickly shift to provide cover or create numerical superiority when attacking.

This 3-5-2 formation is built to dominate games through intense pressing and rapid verticality. It is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play under pressure or leave space behind their midfield.