Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1. SANTILLO (DX 185)
3. BUTERA (SX 175)
6. FIGINI (DX 185)
5. DIOP (DX 190)
2.Fontana/Argentino (DX 180 05/ 178 06)
10.RUIZ (SX 178)
8. RICCA (DX 182)
4. RAMELLA/GAZZARA (DX 180 / SX 06)
9. GOMES (DX 185)
11. ALFò (DX 182)
7. La Bruna/Fratantonio (DX 178 / DX 176)

Bologna looks to play a direct and high pressing game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and hitting teams quickly on the transition. The team relies on verticality to move from their defensive base to the attacking third with speed.

SANTILLO guards the goal while the defensive unit sits in a back five. RUIZ and DIOP act as the central defenders, with RUIZ providing leadership to hold the line and DIOP working to win the second ball. FIGINI operates as the left centre-back to help secure the area. The wing backs, BUTERA on the left and Fontana or Argentino on the right, are tasked to provide width and push high to support the attack. This defensive unit works to squeeze the space between the lines when they sit in a mid-block.

In the middle of the pitch, Bologna employs a two man midfield to connect the defence to the forwards. RICCA and RAMELLA or GAZZARA occupy the central roles. RICCA works to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds, while RAMELLA or GAZZARA helps to shield the defence and intercept passes. This pairing must work hard to press in a mid-block and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.

The attacking front three focuses on stretching the defence. GOMES acts as the lone striker, working to hold up the ball and find the feet of the teammates arriving late into the box. ALFÒ plays as the left winger to cut inside and create chances, while La Bruna or Fratantonio operates on the right to provide width or track back when needed. The team looks to use the wing backs to create overlaps and deliver crosses into the box for GOMES.

One major advantage of this Bologna formation is the ability to create wide overloads through the movement of the wing backs and wingers. Another strength is the compactness when defending in a narrow defensive block, making it hard for opponents to play through the center. The team can also quickly transition from a defensive stance to an attacking one by using the pace of the front three.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a team that wants to press aggressively and hit opponents on the break. It is best suited for games against sides that play with a high defensive line and leave space behind.