Lecce Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 (MANDARINO)
5 (DE LAURO)
2 (PECERE)
4 (CAFASSO)
3 (OKOUMASSOUN)
7 (AVVISATI)
6 (D'AGOSTINO)
8 (RAFFO)
9 (DE SIATE)
10 (SCOTTI)
7 (CIPRESSA)

A high press defines the identity of Lecce in this 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition. The team aims to stretch the defence by using width and play through the lines to reach the final third quickly.

In the defensive phase, 1 acts as the goalkeeper to sweep behind a high line. The back four consists of 5 at right back and 3 at left back, both acting as attacking full backs to provide width. In the center, 2 and 4 defend zonally to hold the line and prevent breakthroughs. 2 and 4 must work together to cover the space left when 5 and 3 push forward. The defensive unit tries to hold a compact shape to deny the turn to opposition attackers.

The midfield is a three-man midfield with a single pivot. 6 sits in front of the back four to shield the defence and pick up runners. Next to 6, 7 and 8 operate as the central midfielders. 8 drives forward to carry the ball into the attacking third, while 7 connects the defensive and attacking lines. This trio works to win the second ball and recycle possession to keep the pressure on the opponent.

Lecce uses three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. 10 acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of teammates. On the flanks, 9 plays as a wide winger on the left, while 7 operates as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside. The wingers look to isolate a one-on-one wide or deliver early crosses. The movements of 9 and 7 create space for 5 and 3 to overlap the winger and provide extra numbers in the box.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using 7, 8, and 9 to trigger a press, the team can win it back high up the pitch. Another strength is the wide overloads created by the movement of 5 and 3. This forces the opposition to shift wide, which creates gaps to play through the lines.

The 4-3-3 formation makes Lecce a vertical team capable of fast transitions. This formation is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and can be caught on the break during transitions.