São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
32- N. Ferraresi
28- A. Franco
18- Wendell
6- C. Soares
25- Alisson
29- P. Maia
30- R. Rotondi*
7- Lucas
8- Oscar
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo look to control games through a heavy high press and quick transitions using a 3-4-3. This lineup is built to squeeze the space in the opponent half and force mistakes early. By using a wide attacking front, the team aims to stretch the defence and create chances through rapid ball movement and direct runs.

Rafael sits between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back three consists of N. Ferraresi, A. Franco, and Wendell. Ferraresi acts as the right centre-back to cover the wide areas, while A. Franco holds the central position to win the header and command the box. Wendell plays as the left centre-back to step up and intercept passes. This defensive unit functions by staying compact and using a high line to keep the distance between the lines short.

The midfield works as a four man unit to dominate the center of the pitch. Alisson and P. Maia operate as a double pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession. Alisson looks to receive on the half-turn and move the ball forward, while P. Maia provides the grit to win the second ball. On the flanks, C. Soares and R. Rotondi act as wide midfielders who provide the necessary width. They must track back to help the defenders and then drive forward to support the attack.

São Paulo use three attackers to pin the opposition back. J. Calleri acts as the lone striker and target man to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Oscar plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create, while Lucas operates on the right to deliver crosses and find space. This front line presses the opposition back line to prevent them from playing out from the back. The goal is to create runs in behind or find the feet of the striker through quick combinations.

One major advantage is the ability to press high in coordinated waves using the front three and wide midfielders. The formation also allows for wide overloads when C. Soares or R. Rotondi push high to overlap the wingers. This setup creates numerical superiority in the attacking third and forces the opposition to defend in very tight spaces.

This 3-4-3 lineup relies on intense pressing and quick verticality to disrupt the opponent. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and attack against a low block.