Lazio Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Hysaj · Marusic · Romagnoli · Gila · Castellanos · Rovella · Guendouzi · Vecino · Zaccagni · Isaksen · Provedel

Lazio utilizes a vertical attacking style within a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is designed to catch opponents on the transition and use width to stretch the defence. The team focuses on winning the ball and moving forward quickly to exploit space in behind the opposition.

Provedel operates as the goalkeeper to sweep behind the defensive line and organize the back five. The defensive unit consists of a central trio with Rovella, Romagnoli, and Gila. Romagnoli uses his reading of the game to cover space, while Gila is dominant in the air. Marusic and Hysaj act as wing backs on either side. Marusic provides width on the left and must track back to help the defence, while Hysaj pushes up on the right to overlap the winger. This back five can drop into a low block to defend zonally and deny the turn.

A double pivot controls the centre of the pitch for Lazio. Guendouzi operates in the left central midfield role, where he uses his high pressing intensity to trigger a press and win the ball high up the pitch. Vecino plays as the right central midfielder to shield the defence and recycle possession. Guendouzi is tasked to carry the ball forward, while Vecino looks to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. This duo links the defensive line to the attacking front three.

The attacking phase relies on three players working in close combinations. Castellanos leads the line as a pressing centre-forward to force a long ball from the opposition. Zaccagni plays on the left as an inverted winger who looks to cut inside and find space. Isaksen stays wide on the right to stretch the pitch and look to get to the byline. The team looks to break quickly, using the wing backs to provide support for the front three to create runs in behind and cutbacks from the byline.

One major advantage is the ability to create wide overloads. When Marusic and Hysaj push up, they support the wingers to create numerical superiority in wide areas. The formation also allows for great compactness when defending in a mid-block. By having five defenders and two central midfielders, the team can squeeze the space in the middle and force the opponent to the flanks.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a solid platform for counter attacking football. It is best used against teams that play with a high line and leave gaps behind their defenders.