Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Svilar (GK) · Mancini (ZAG) · Ndicka (ZAG) · Angeliño (ZAG) · El Shaarawy (ME) · Pellegrini (MC) · Pisilli (VOL) · Cristante (MC) · Celik (MD) · Dovbyk (ATA) · Dybala (SA)Roma aims to play a direct and high pressing game using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and use quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. By using a mid-block that can shift into a high press, Roma seeks to control the central areas and force turnovers.
Svilar starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit operates as a back three, featuring Mancini and Ndicka as the central defenders. Mancini is dominant in the air and provides physical presence, while Ndicka acts as a covering defender to sweep behind the line. Angeliño plays as the left wide centre-back and is tasked to step up into midfield or push wide to provide width. This trio works to hold a compact line and deny space in the channels.
The midfield consists of a single pivot with Pisilli acting as the screen to protect the defenders. Beside him, Cristante and Pellegrini operate as the two central midfielders to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Cristante provides strength to win the second ball, while Pellegrini drives forward with the ball to create chances. El Shaarawy and Celik occupy the wide roles, acting as wing backs to stretch the defence. El Shaarawy uses his dribbling style to move the ball forward, while Celik provides industry to track back and support the defense.
In the final third, Roma utilizes two forwards in a partnership. Dovbyk acts as the target man to hold up the ball and win headers, providing a focal point for the attack. Dybala plays as the second striker in the hole, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines. The movement of the wing backs creates overlaps from wide, allowing the forwards to focus on runs in behind or finding space in the pockets. The team relies on combinations in tight spaces to break down low blocks.
This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly through numerical superiority in the central midfield zones. The presence of Celik and El Shaarawy allows for wide overloads that can pin the opposition full backs. Additionally, the coordination between the three central midfielders and the two forwards allows Roma to press in coordinated waves to win the ball back quickly.
Roma relies on a high energy system to dominate the central areas of the pitch. This 3-5-2 is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and can be exploited through quick vertical passing.