Salernitana Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 (MARINO)
2 (SPALLETTA)
5 (VERZA)
6 (BOCANELLI)
7 (BORRAZZO)
3 (FARINA)
4 (GONNELLA)
8 (DI VINCENZO)
10 (ZINKOWSKI)
9 (LOMBARDI)
11 (CHIETTI)

Salernitana relies on a heavy midfield presence to control the game through a 3-5-2. This formation is built to play with verticality and quickly move the ball into the final third. The team looks to win the second ball and use their central strength to dominate the middle of the pitch. This lineup focuses on ball retention and quick transitions to catch the opposition off guard.

The defensive unit begins with 1 in goal. The back line uses a back three to protect the central area. 5 sits as the central defender to command the area, while 6 and 2 act as the wider centre-backs to cover the space behind the midfield. They need to step up to intercept passes or drop into a low block when the team sits deep. This trio helps Salernitana hold a compact defensive block when defending against direct teams.

In the middle, the team employs a crowded five-man midfield to control the tempo. 3 and 7 act as a double pivot to shield the defence and win possession. 4 and 10 occupy the half-spaces to connect the defensive line to the attack, while 8 plays as an attacking ten behind the two forwards. These players can carry the ball forward to drive into the box, while 3 and 7 must track back to prevent counter attacks. This formation allows the team to recycle possession and search for gaps in the opposition lines by playing through the lines.

The attack features a two-man partnership with 11 and 9 leading the line. 11 often works as a pressing centre-forward to force the opposition into mistakes. 9 can hold up the ball to allow the midfielders to join the attack and move forward. The team builds play through the centre, but the wide players must spread wide to stretch the defence. Both forwards look to make runs in behind to exploit any space left by the opposition defenders and combine in tight spaces.

One advantage is the numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch provided by the five midfielders. This makes it hard for opponents to play through the lines without being doubled up on. The team also benefits from the ability to press in a mid-block, using 8 and the strikers to trigger a press. This coordination allows them to win the ball back high up the pitch and create quick chances.

The Salernitana 3-5-2 is a formation centered on central dominance and midfield control. It is best suited for games against teams that try to play through the middle without enough numbers in the half-spaces.