Lazio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Mattia Zaccagni · Ivan Provedel · Alessio Romagnoli · Matteo Guendouzi · Caio Henrique · Edon Zhegrova · Valentin Castellanos · Josip Stanisic · Ellyes Skhiri · Giovani Lo Celso · Nayef Aguerd

Lazio focuses on high intensity pressing and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike with directness once the turnover occurs. By utilizing a back five, the team can squeeze the space between the lines while maintaining a solid base to defend against long balls.

Ivan Provedel acts as the last line of defense, sweeping behind the back line when the team plays high. The defensive unit operates in a staggered back five where Ellyes Skhiri, Nayef Aguerd, and Alessio Romagnoli form the central core. Romagnoli and Aguerd focus on winning the header and clearing the lines, while Skhiri can step up to disrupt passing lanes. On the flanks, Josip Stanisic and Caio Henrique act as attacking wing backs. They are tasked to provide width and overlap the wingers, while also tracking back to ensure the team stays compact when defending in a mid-block.

The midfield consists of a double pivot tasked with controlling the center of the pitch. Matteo Guendouzi acts as a carrier, driving forward with the ball to break the line and win the second ball. Beside him, Giovani Lo Celso plays as a deep lying playmaker who can also press aggressively to win the ball high. These two players must connect the defense to the attack, ensuring they recycle possession effectively and deny the pivot of the opposition. They must also be ready to drop deep to support the defenders if the opposition threatens to play through the lines.

In the final third, Lazio uses three attackers to stretch the defense. Valentin Castellanos operates as a pressing centre forward, holding up the ball and making runs in behind to pin the last defender. On the flanks, Edon Zhegrova and Mattia Zaccagni act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. This movement allows the wing backs to get to the byline and deliver early crosses. The front three work to force the opposition back, creating space for the midfielders to arrive late into the box and combine in tight spaces.

Lazio gains a significant advantage through the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This creates a high level of pressure that can force a long ball from the opponent. Additionally, the formation provides wide overloads when Josip Stanisic and Caio Henrique push forward to join the wingers, often isolating wide players in one on one situations.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a robust defensive base while allowing for lethal counter attacks. It is best suited for games against teams that prefer to hold possession and leave space behind their defensive line.