Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Carnesecchi (29) · Djimisti (19) · Hien (4) · Kolašinac (23) · Ruggeri (22) · Éderson (13) · de Roon (15) · Zappacosta (77) · Lookman (11) · De Ketelaere (14) · Retegui (32)

Atalanta aims to play a high press and aggressive vertical football through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately attack the opposition defensive line. The team looks to control games by squeezing the space in the middle and forcing turnovers in the final third.

Carnesecchi acts as the goalkeeper, playing a vital role when the team plays out from the back. The defensive unit functions as a back three, where Hien provides aerial strength and stability in the center. Kolašinac operates as the left centre-back to cover the wide areas, while Djimisti occupies the right centre-back spot to hold the line. This back three works to stay compact and step up to trigger a press when the opponent tries to build play.

The midfield utilizes a central pairing to control the center of the pitch. de Roon acts as the holding presence to shield the defence, while Éderson works to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces. They are supported by wide players who act as wing backs in this 3-4-3. Ruggeri pushes up on the left to provide width, while Zappacosta operates on the right to overlap the winger. This midfield unit connects the defensive block to the attacking trio by recycling possession and finding runners.

In the attacking phase, Atalanta uses three attackers to stretch the defence. Retegui plays as the lone striker to find the feet of the striker and engage the centre-backs. Lookman operates as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, while De Ketelaere occupies the right flank to link up play between the lines. The front three press from the front to prevent the opposition from playing out from the back, looking to hit in behind on the transition.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly through the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wing backs, Ruggeri and Zappacosta, create wide overloads by pushing high to pin the last defender. Atalanta can also achieve numerical superiority in the middle when the wingers tuck inside. This creates space for late runs into the box from the midfield duo.

Atalanta relies on this intense high press to dominate matches through aggressive ball recovery. This 3-4-3 is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play under pressure and defend in a low block.