Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Hien · Posch · Bellanova · Kolasinac · de Roon · Pasalic · Ederson · Retegui · Lookman · De Ketelaere · R. Patrício

Atalanta focus on a high press and vertical play using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly to catch the opposition out of position. The team looks to squeeze the space in the final third and play with high intensity to drive the tempo of the game.

R. Patrício stands between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit operates with a back five that can shift effectively depending on the position of the ball. de Roon leads the central defense, acting as the primary ball playing defender to help play out from the back. Posch and Hien sit alongside him to defend zonally, with Posch providing aerial strength and Hien acting as a covering defender. Kolasinac and Bellanova play as attacking wing backs, tasked to push high and provide width, while also tracking back to form a narrow defensive block when the team sits deep.

The midfield consists of a two man unit tasked with controlling the center of the pitch. Ederson works as a carrier to drive the ball forward, while Pasalic helps to connect the defensive and attacking lines. These two must press aggressively to win the ball high and ensure the opponent cannot play through the lines. They act as the engine room, with Ederson often using his energy to press and Pasalic looking to recycle possession and find the attackers.

At the front, Atalanta use three attackers to stretch the defence. Retegui operates as a pressing centre forward, looking to find the feet of the striker and fight for second balls. Lookman acts as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances, while De Ketelaere plays on the right to provide link up play between the lines. The formation is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to overlap the winger, creating constant movement in the final third.

This lineup offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. By using the wing backs to provide width, Atalanta create wide overloads that force the opposition to stretch. The presence of a strong central trio in defense and a hardworking midfield allows the team to maintain compactness when defending and transition with great speed.

Atalanta use this 5-2-3 to dominate matches through physical intensity and aggressive pressing. This formation is best suited for facing teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.