Venezia Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 (PURG)
2 (RIODA)
3 (BERTONCELLO)
4 (SOLDA')
7 (BERENGO)
8 (CHIESURIN)
5 (VICARIO)
6 (SCHIAVON)
11 (DALLA NORA)
10 (TURELLA)
9 (LADISA)

Venezia aims to control the central zones through a high press and quick transitions, employing a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to play a direct style of football that relies on winning the second ball and breaking quickly. The team seeks to use the width of the pitch through the attacking midfielders while maintaining a solid central core.

1 stands between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit employs a back three where 3 acts as the central pillar, while 2 and 4 operate as the right and left centre-backs. 3 stays central to win headers and command the area, while 2 and 4 are tasked to cover the channels and intercept passes. The unit works to remain compact and move as a single block to defend zonally.

The midfield is anchored by 5, a single pivot who shields the defence and sits in front of the back three. Moving up the pitch, 8 and 6 operate as two central midfielders who drive forward with the ball and recycle possession. To create more threat, 7 and 11 play in the half-spaces as attacking midfielders. These two can push high to press the opposition or drop back to help the midfield when the team is out of possession.

In the final third, Venezia uses a two-man partnership with 10 and 9. 10 acts as the primary striker, looking to make runs in behind to pin the last defender, while 9 plays as a second striker to link up play. They combine in tight spaces to break the line and move the ball toward the goal. The movements of 7 and 11 are designed to create overloads, allowing them to receive on the half-turn and deliver crosses into the box.

This formation offers clear advantages, such as the ability to squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch. By using five players in the central corridor, Venezia can achieve numerical superiority to win the second ball. The formation also allows for quick transitions, where 7 and 11 can carry the ball forward immediately after a turnover. This makes the team very difficult to play through.

The 3-5-2 formation provides a balanced way to defend deep and counter at pace. It is particularly effective when facing opponents that commit many players forward and leave space behind their defensive line.