São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
32- N. Ferraresi
28- A. Franco
35- Sabino
33- Erick
25- Alisson
8- Oscar
6- Wendel
19- J. Brunetta*
7- Lucas M.
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo seeks to control games through a high press and verticality, using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to squeeze the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch to catch opponents while they are out of position. By utilizing a heavy attacking presence, the team aims to force turnovers and quickly move the ball toward the goal.

In goal, Rafael acts as the last line of defense. The back line operates as a back three, with Sabino acting as the left centre-back and N. Ferraresi playing as the right centre-back. A. Franco sits in the middle to command the area. These defenders function as a zonal line, with N. Ferraresi using his aerial strength to win headers, while Sabino and A. Franco cover the space behind the midfield. They work to keep the lines close together and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

The midfield functions with two wide players and two central players, creating a boxy look that helps bridge the lines. Wendel plays on the right and Erick plays on the left, providing width and tracking back to help the defenders. In the center, Alisson and Oscar work to control the tempo. Alisson helps to shield the defense, while Oscar works to carry the ball forward and link the play from the middle to the attacking front. This group is tasked to press in a mid-block and quickly recycle possession when the ball is won.

The attacking front three is designed to stretch the opposition defense. J. Calleri operates as a pressing centre-forward, using his strength to hold up the ball and target long passes. Lucas M. and J. Brunetta play as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goalscoring chances. This movement creates space for the wide midfielders to overlap. The forwards press the opposition back line to prevent them from building from the back, aiming to create one on one situations for the wingers.

One major tactical strength for São Paulo is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, which can force mistakes from the opponent. The presence of J. Calleri allows the team to win the second ball in the final third. Another advantage is the width provided by Wendel and Erick, which can create wide overloads if they push high up the pitch. This setup forces the opposition to stay narrow, leaving room for the wingers to exploit.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a heavy offensive presence that is built to dominate the ball and press intensely. It is a lineup best suited for games where the team needs to break down a low block through high pressure and wide play.