Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

47 Consigli (1 Perin)
24 Caceres (4 B. Koné)
25 Glik (44 Kjaer)
5 Tasci (3 Marcelo)
21 Cigarini (17 Carmona)
29 Rode (8 Ward-Prouse)
27 J. Montero (22 Selassie)
23 Stefanovic (15 Mackay-Stevens)
11 Moralez (9 Depay)
7 Lens (19 Emnes)
10 Bonaventura (C) (6 Carroll)

Atalanta aims to dominate through a high press and aggressive verticality using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball high up the pitch to catch the opposition out of position. The team seeks to play with high intensity, using the extra bodies in midfield to overwhelm opponents in central areas.

Consigli plays behind a back three that operates as a zonal line. Glik sits in the center to win the header and command the area, while Tasci and Caceres act as the wide centre-backs. Tasci and Caceres are tasked to step up into midfield when needed and cover the space left by the wing backs. This defensive unit works to compress the midfield and keep the lines tight to prevent passes through the center.

The midfield functions as a five man unit with a heavy emphasis on central control. Rode and Cigarini operate as a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. In front of them, Bonaventura (C) acts as the main connector, driving forward with the ball and making late runs into the box. Stefanovic and J. Montero operate in the half spaces to press aggressively and win the second ball. This group helps the team transition from defense to attack by quickly finding the forwards.

Atalanta uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defence. Lens plays as the lone striker leading the press from the front, while Moralez plays as a second striker in the hole to link up play between the lines. The attack is designed to create runs in behind and exploit gaps left by retreating defenders. They use combinations in tight spaces to pull defenders out of position before hitting in behind on the transition.

One major advantage for Atalanta is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows them to control the tempo and win many duels. The coordination between the three central defenders and the five midfielders creates a compact shape that is difficult to break down through the middle. They can also use the wide presence of the midfielders to create overloads and force the opposition to defend wide areas.

This 3-5-2 formation makes Atalanta a very difficult side to play against due to their high intensity and central density. It is a lineup perfectly suited for games where the team needs to dictate play and press an opponent into making mistakes.