Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Moreno · Van der Brempt · Dossena · Perrone · Cutrone · Paz · Caqueret · Da Cunha · Strefezza · Braunöder · Audero

Como relies on a high press and verticality to catch opponents off guard, using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the central areas and use aggressive movement to force mistakes in the opposition half. By committing numbers forward, the team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike immediately before the defense can settle.

Audero acts as the last line of defense, often needing to sweep behind a high line due to the minimal cover provided by the backline. The two central defenders, Dossena and Van der Brempt, play as a narrow defensive block that must be extremely disciplined. Dossena and Van der Brempt act as ball playing defenders to help play out from the back, but they must also be ready to step up to intercept passes. Because there are only two defenders, the unit must squeeze the space and stay tight to prevent long balls from bypassing them.

The midfield is the engine of this Como lineup, operating as a crowded five man unit. Moreno and Braunöder form a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. Perrone and Caqueret occupy the half spaces, acting as inverted eights who help to compress the midfield and press in a mid-block when the ball is lost. Paz operates as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space and play through the lines. This group works to win the second ball and ensures the team can quickly transition from a defensive stance to an attacking one.

Up front, the team utilizes three attackers to stretch the defense. Cutrone acts as the central striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of oncoming runners. Da Cunha and Strefezza act as wide wingers who stay high to pin the last defender and provide width. Da Cunha and Strefezza often look to cut inside to create overloads in the middle, or they can stay wide to whip it in for Cutrone. The front three press from the front to force a long ball, making it easier for the midfield to intercept and start a quick break.

A major advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows the team to control the tempo and win possession in central areas. The high line and the positioning of the five midfielders allow Como to press in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build play. Additionally, the width provided by the wingers and the late runs from Perrone and Caqueret create many chances in transition.

This 2-5-3 formation is a high risk, high reward system designed to suffocate opponents with intensity. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play under pressure and prefer to build slowly from the back.