Juventus Football Formation
Starting Lineup
MUSTAFIC · D'AURIA · GALLO · COCINO · SCHATZER · BENNISON · CANTORE · BECCARI · SCIABICA · LENZINI · FERRARESIJuventus relies on a defensive identity that is built to stay solid and hit on the break, using a 4-5-1. This lineup is designed to play a counter attacking style of football. The team aims to keep the ball in central areas and keep the distances between players very short.
MUSTAFIC stays between the posts to guard the goal. The defensive unit sits in a narrow defensive block using a flat back four. COCINO and D'AURIA act as defensive wing backs to prevent crosses and protect the wide areas. In the middle, LENZINI and GALLO defend zonally. LENZINI is dominant in the air to clear the lines, while GALLO acts as the covering defender to sweep behind. They work together to hold a compact block and deny the turn to any attackers.
The midfield uses a double pivot to protect the back four. BENNISON and SCHATZER sit in front of the back four to shield the defence and win the second ball. BENNISON looks to intercept passes and press the opponent, while SCHATZER stays deep to recycle possession. SCIABICA and CANTORE act as two tens in the half-spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines. BECCARI plays as a central carrier to carry the ball forward and link the play. This group is tasked to squeeze the space and force a long ball from the opposition.
FERRARESI operates as a lone striker to lead the front line. He must hold up the ball to wait for support from the midfield. The team attacks in transition, looking to hit in behind on the transition once the ball is won. When Juventus wins possession, the goal is to find the feet of FERRARESI or to knock it in behind the defenders. BECCARI and SCIABICA look to arrive late into the box to support the attack. This movement creates chances for FERRARESI to play a one-two or to find space in the channels.
The tactical strength of this Juventus lineup is the compactness when defending. By sitting in a mid-block, they make it very difficult for the opponent to play through the lines. Another advantage is the ability to create numerical superiority in the center of the pitch. The five midfielders can easily compress the midfield and win the second ball. This lineup allows the team to break quickly and counter at pace when the opposition is stretched.
This 4-5-1 formation is built for a team that wants to stay hard to beat and strike on the break. It is best suited for facing opponents that dominate possession and leave space behind their high line.