Empoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1.DIMARTINO (DX 185)
2.GULLI (DX 183 05)
4.TOSTO (DX 185)
5.GAMBINO/MAGRI (DX 185/ SX 185)
3.CALTABIANO (DX 180)
6.CHIARA (DX 185 07)
8.LE MURA (DX 175)
10.CANELON/LICCIARDELLO (DX 178/ DX 178)
7.FICHERA (DX 177)
9.BANDUNDI/DE MUTIIS (DX 185/ DX 182)
11.F. CATANIA (DX 178)

Empoli focuses on defensive solidity and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting teams on the break. By sitting in a low block, the team aims to frustrate opponents and use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition once they regain possession.

DIMARTINO guards the goal while the defensive unit maintains a narrow defensive block. CHIARA sits central in the back three to organize the line and win headers. TOSTO plays as the right centre-back to provide cover, while GAMBINO or MAGRI occupies the left centre-back slot to manage the space behind the wing backs. GULLI works as the right wing back to provide width, while CALTABIANO acts as the left wing back to track back and defend the flank. The unit works together to stay compact and deny the turn to any central attackers.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to protect the back line. LE MURA and CANELON or LICCIARDELLO work in the center to shield the defence and win the second ball. One midfielder will often drop between the centre-backs to receive, while the other attempts to carry the ball forward to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Their job is to intercept passes and quickly move the ball to the wide players to initiate a counter attack.

Empoli utilizes three attackers to exploit space in transition. FICHERA plays as a wide winger on the left to hug the touchline, while F. CATANIA operates as an inverted winger on the right to cut inside. BANDUNDI or DE MUTIIS leads the line as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender. The wingers look to receive the ball in one on one situations or provide cutbacks from the byline if they can get to the end of the pitch.

The formation offers significant tactical advantages through its defensive compactness. By using five defenders, Empoli makes it hard for opponents to find space between the lines. The wide players like GULLI and CALTABIANO can create wide overloads when they push up, allowing the team to transition from a defensive block into an attacking stance very quickly.

This 5-2-3 formation relies on a disciplined low block and rapid counter attacks. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.