São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
32- Ferraresi
28- A. Franco
35- Sabino
8- Alisson
21- T. Mendes*
29- Rotondi*
33- Erick
11- Antony*
7- Lucas
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo looks to dominate the pitch with a high press and rapid transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly before the opposition can settle. The goal is to use wide areas to stretch the defence and create chances through direct play and combinations in the final third.

Rafael guards the goal as the last line of defence for São Paulo. The back three consists of Ferraresi, A. Franco, and Sabino. Ferraresi acts as the right centre-back to cover the wide areas, while Sabino occupies the left centre-back spot to provide balance. A. Franco sits in the middle to command the line and win the header when the ball is played long. This defensive unit works to keep the distance between the lines small and forces the opposition to play wide.

The midfield is composed of two central players and two wide players to control the tempo. Alisson and T. Mendes operate as the central pair, where Alisson seeks to recycle possession and T. Mendes works to drive forward with the ball. On the flanks, Rotondi and Erick act as wide midfielders who provide width and help the central pair. Alisson helps to shield the defence, while T. Mendes connects the back three to the attacking line. This midfield setup works to press the opposition and win the second ball in the middle of the pitch.

In the attacking phase, the team utilizes three forwards to pin the last defender. Lucas and Antony play as wide attackers, with Lucas cutting inside to create chances and Antony looking to isolate defenders one on one. J. Calleri acts as the lone striker and target man, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of the oncoming runners. The wingers help to press the opposition back line, while the wide midfielders push up to provide support. This creates several runs in behind and allows the team to attack in combinations.

The tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to create wide overloads when Rotondi and Erick push forward. São Paulo also benefits from the speed of transition when the ball is won by the midfield. By using three central defenders, the team maintains compactness when defending and can quickly spread wide to switch play.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for teams that want to control matches through aggressive pressing and wide play. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play a high line and can be punished on the break.