Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Kolasinac · Bellanova · Hien · Posch · de Roon · Retegui · De Ketelaere · Lookman · Pasalic · Ederson · Carnesecchi

High intensity and a relentless high press define the way Atalanta competes in every match. This team seeks to win the ball back high up the pitch to launch immediate attacks. To achieve this, they employ a 5-2-3 formation that focuses on squeezing the space and forcing mistakes. The lineup is designed to be aggressive and direct, looking to catch the opposition off balance through rapid transitions.

Carnesecchi stands as the last line of defense, ready to sweep behind the high line if necessary. The defensive unit consists of a back five formation where de Roon sits in the middle to hold the line and win the second ball. Hien plays as the left centre-back to cover wide areas, while Posch acts as the right centre-back to maintain the defensive block. The wide defenders, Bellanova and Kolasinac, play as attacking wing backs who push high to provide width. They must be ready to track back and defend zonally when the team loses possession.

Acting as a double pivot, the midfield connects the defense to the attack. Ederson works to drive forward with the ball, using his ability to carry the ball forward to break the lines. Pasalic operates as the partner in the middle, working to recycle possession and protect the space in front of the centre-backs. This pair must press aggressively to trigger a press and prevent the opposition from playing through the lines. They are responsible for squeezing the midfield and ensuring the team remains compact when defending.

Across the front, three players work to pin the last defender and stretch the opposition. Retegui acts as the central striker, working to hold up the ball to allow others to find the feet of the striker. Lookman plays as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create goalscoring opportunities. De Ketelaere occupies the right side, often dropping into the half-spaces to link up play between the lines. This front three creates constant movement, with players making runs in behind to exploit any gaps in the defensive line.

One significant tactical advantage for Atalanta is the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball back quickly. By using attacking wing backs like Bellanova and Kolasinac, the team creates wide overloads that force the opposition to defend deep. This constant pressure allows the team to win the second ball frequently and exploit transitions. Such numerical superiority in the attacking third helps to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

The 5-2-3 lineup provides a relentless attacking identity centered on high-intensity pressure and rapid transitions. It is most effective against opponents that try to play short from the back and struggle to deal with intense pressing.