Fiorentina Football Formation

Starting Lineup

37 A. Fernandez
32 Matip
2 Djilobodji (19 Milosevic)
5 B. Koné (6 Smalling)
16 Insua (53 Van Den Berg)
52 Saúl (15 Mendy)
20 Borja Valero (C) (21 Cataldi)
10 Rossi (18 Mahlangu)
14 Mertens
9 Remy (30 Babacar)
11 Depay (59 Silvestri)

Fiorentina aim to play a direct and aggressive style of football with this 5-2-3 formation. The lineup is built to defend with a deep block while using wide areas to launch quick attacks. This setup relies on verticality and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard before they can settle.

A. Fernandez operates between the posts to protect the goal. The defensive unit uses a back five consisting of Saúl, Djilobodji, and Matip in a central trio. Saúl acts as the central pillar of this line, while Matip and Djilobodji cover the spaces to his left and right. On the flanks, B. Koné and Insua act as attacking wing backs to provide width. These wing backs are expected to push high up the pitch to support the attack, while the three centre backs hold a compact line to defend zonally.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide control in the center of the pitch. Borja Valero (C) leads this area as the captain, using his passing range to connect the back line to the forwards. Rossi plays alongside him to help shield the defense and win the second ball. This pairing works to recycle possession and switch play to the wide areas, ensuring the team stays balanced when moving from a defensive stance into an attacking phase.

Up front, Fiorentina utilizes three attackers to stretch the opposition. Remy acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and link play with the midfielders. On the wings, Depay and Mertens play as wide attackers to create scoring chances. Depay often cuts inside to find space, while Mertens looks to get to the byline and deliver crosses. This front three works together to press the opposition back line and create runs in behind the defenders.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its defensive solidity and width. The back five makes it difficult for opponents to find gaps in the central areas, ensuring compactness when defending. By using B. Koné and Insua as high wing backs, the team can create wide overloads to overwhelm the opposition flanks. This also allows for rapid speed of transition once the ball is won in the middle third.

The 5-2-3 formation provides a strong base for teams that want to sit deep and strike on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession but struggle to defend against quick, wide attacks.