Empoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 (FLACCADORI)
2 (BROGI)
5 (SULJEVIC)
6 (RUSSOMANDO)
3 (MANTOVANI)
4 (OLIVIERI)
8 (DI PEDE)
7 (OLIVERI)
10 (SAVELLI)
9 (LEMMETTI)
11 (CANGIANO)

Empoli plays with a compact and central identity using a 4-4-2 diamond formation. This lineup is built to dominate the centre of the pitch and play through the middle to find gaps in the opposition. The team focuses on control in the central zones to dictate the tempo of the game and win the second ball. This is a formation designed to squeeze the midfield and force the opponent into errors.

The goalkeeper 1 acts as the last line of defence. A back four consisting of 3 at left back, 2 at right back, 6 at left centre back, and 5 at right centre back forms a zonal line. The central defenders 6 and 5 work to hold the line and cover for one another to prevent through balls. The wide defenders 3 and 2 must track back to defend against wide threats and can step up to provide support when the team plays out from the back. The whole defensive unit works to keep the space small and defend zonally.

The midfield operates in a diamond formation to squeeze the space in the centre. Player 4 acts as a single pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. The two side midfielders, 7 and 8, connect the defensive and attacking lines by carrying the ball forward and recycling possession. Player 10 operates as an attacking ten behind the strikers to create chances and play through the lines. This midfield group works to win the second ball and press in a mid block when the opponent tries to build out from the back or force a long ball.

Up front, Empoli employs a forward partnership with 11 and 9. These two attackers work in combinations to break the line. One might drop deep to find the feet of the striker or hold up the ball, while the other looks to make runs in behind. They press from the front to force a long ball and disrupt the opposition build up. The movement of 11 and 9 is designed to stretch the defence and create space for the attacking midfielder 10 to arrive late into the box and score.

This formation offers a clear numerical superiority in midfield when competing against teams using a standard three man midfield. By having 4, 7, 8, and 10, Empoli can control the central area and win the second ball frequently. The team also benefits from the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the diamond to trigger a press high up the pitch. This makes the transition from defence to attack very quick when they win the ball in the middle and can switch play to the wide areas.

This 4-4-2 diamond formation is a central heavy formation designed to control the heart of the pitch. It is best suited for matches where Empoli can exploit a lack of central cover in the opponent defence.