Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Mancini · Ev Ndika · Celik · Coulibaly · Skorupski · Ricci · Nicolussi C · Adli · Dybala · Colombo · Sanabria

Roma focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to sit in a mid-block and use the width of the pitch to catch opponents on the break. The team looks to win the ball in central areas and immediately look for runners behind the opposition defensive line.

Skorupski guards the goal while the defensive unit stays compact. Mancini and Ricci operate as the central defenders, where Mancini uses his aerial strength to defend set pieces and clear the lines. Ev Ndika plays as the left centre back to provide cover. The wing backs, Coulibaly and Celik, provide the width. Coulibaly is expected to push up the right flank to overlap, while Celik must track back to defend against wide threats. This back five can shift into a flat line to defend zonally or squeeze the space when the team moves up the pitch.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier and a creative hub. Adli and Nicolussi C sit in the middle to win the second ball and shield the defense. Adli is tasked to carry the ball forward and connect the back line to the attack. Dybala plays as an attacking ten behind the strikers, where he can find space between the lines. Dybala uses his precise passing range to split the defence with a through ball. This trio must stay close together to deny the turn of opposition midfielders and ensure the team remains hard to break down.

Roma employs two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Sanabria and Colombo work together to pressure the opposition back line. Sanabria often acts to hold up the ball and lay it off to oncoming runners, while Colombo looks to make runs in behind. The attack relies on combinations in the final third, with Dybala looking to slide balls through to the strikers. When the team wins possession, the wing backs push high to stretch the defence, creating space for the two forwards to work in central areas.

One major advantage for Roma is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of Coulibaly and Celik. Another strength is the tactical flexibility to switch from a narrow defensive block to a wide attacking stance very quickly. The presence of Dybala allows the team to transition from a defensive position to a goal scoring threat in just a few passes.

This 5-3-2 formation provides a solid base for teams that want to play on the counter. It is best suited for matches against high pressing opponents where Roma can exploit the space left behind their defenders.