Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Como plays with an aggressive intent to control the center of the pitch, utilizing a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate possession and pin the opposition back through a heavy presence in the middle of the field. The identity focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and using a crowded midfield to overwhelm the opponent.

Audero acts as the last line of defense, using his shot stopping to guard the goal while managing the space behind the defenders. The defensive unit consists of a narrow pair of central defenders, Dossena and Van der Brempt, who must remain alert to any runners. Since the formation lacks traditional full backs, Dossena and Van der Brempt must be ready to cover wide areas and step up to intercept passes. They often sit in a low block when the team loses the ball, focusing on winning headers and clearing the lines to prevent direct attacks.

The midfield is a massive five man block that connects the defense to the attack. Braunöder and Perrone operate as a deep sitting pivot, working to shield the two center backs and win the second ball. Moving ahead of them, Engelhardt and Caqueret work to press in a mid-block and carry the ball forward into the attacking third. Paz plays as an advanced attacking ten, sitting in the hole to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines. This midfield group aims to squeeze the space and deny the opponent any room to breathe in the center.

In the attacking phase, Cutrone leads the line as a lone striker, using his pressing intensity to lead the front three and hold up the ball to find the feet of his teammates. Da Cunha and Strefezza act as wide attackers who provide the necessary width to stretch the defense. Da Cunha often looks to cut inside to create more central presence, while Strefezza stays wide to deliver crosses. The front three are instructed to press from the front, forcing the opposition to play long balls that the midfield can intercept.

A primary strength of this formation is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows Como to control the tempo and recycle possession easily. The five players in the center create constant passing triangles and make it hard for opponents to find passing lanes. Additionally, the team can create wide overloads through the combined movement of the wide attackers and the central midfielders pushing into the half spaces.

This 2-5-3 formation is a bold way to play that demands high intensity from the entire squad. It is most effective against teams that struggle to play out from the back and can be easily smothered by a high press.