Empoli Football Formation
February 7, 2025
Starting Lineup
1.DI MARTINO (DX 185)4.TOSTO (DX 185)
2.GULLI (DX 183 05)
5.GAMBINO/MAGRI (DX 185/SX 185)
3.LICCIARDELLO/CANELON (DX 178/DX178)
6.CHIARA (DX 185 07)
8.LE MURA (DX 175)
7.CALTABIANO/LICCIARDELLO (DX 180/DX178)
10.FICHERA (DX 177)
9.BANDUDI (DX 185)
11.DE MUTIIS/CATANIA F. (DX 182/DX178)
Empoli aim to play a high pressing game with a heavy focus on attacking numbers using a 3-3-4 formation. This lineup is built to overwhelm opponents in their own half and force errors through constant pressure. The team relies on a massive attacking presence to pin the opposition defense back and keep the ball in advanced areas of the pitch.
DI MARTINO starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit. The back line operates as a back three consisting of TOSTO, GAMBINO/MAGRI, and GULLI. TOSTO acts as the central figure in this defensive group, while GAMBINO/MAGRI and GULLI cover the wide areas to prevent crosses and track runners. This unit functions by staying compact to avoid being split by through balls.
In the center of the pitch, Empoli use a three man midfield with a carrier. CHIARA sits in front of the back three to shield the defense and disrupt play. LE MURA and LICCIARDELLO/CANELON occupy the central spaces to connect the defensive line to the front four. These players are tasked to win the second ball and carry the ball forward to transition from defense into attack.
The attack is very aggressive with four players pushing the opposition back line. FICHERA plays as a wide winger on the left, while CALTABIANO/LICCIARDELLO operates on the right. In the center, DE MUTIIS/CATANIA F. and BANDUDI operate as two forwards in a partnership. This front four is designed to attack in combinations and create runs in behind, often using the width provided by the wingers to stretch the defense.
This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves with four players upfront. The team can also create wide overloads when the wingers and midfielders push up together. By committing so many bodies forward, Empoli can quickly win the ball back high up the pitch and strike before the opponent can organize.
The 3-3-4 formation is a high risk, high reward system centered on relentless offensive pressure. It is best suited for games where Empoli need to chase a result against a team that sits deep.