Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1.PATERNITI (SX 1821)
6.TOURE (DX 190)
2.DI BELLA (DX 180)
4.MAGGIO 06 (DX 187)
3.PINO 05 (DX 177)
20.BRUNO (SX 182)
5.BAREZ (DX 180)
10. RETSOS (DX 180)
8. GRANATA 06 (DX 182)
7. FRANZINO (SX 182)
9.NIOSI (DX 182)

Seeking to dominate the game through intense pressure and rapid transitions, Bologna operates with a three five two. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move forward with extreme speed. The tactical identity focuses on a high press and verticality to catch the opposition off guard before they can settle.

Paterniti starts in goal to oversee the defensive unit. The back line utilizes a back three featuring Maggio, Toure, and Di Bella to maintain a narrow defensive block. Maggio and Di Bella act as wide centre backs to cover the flanks and track back, while Toure sits centrally to win the header and clear the lines. The unit is ready to step up to set the offside trap or drop into a low block when needed.

The midfield works as a central engine to link the defensive and attacking lines. Barez sits as a single pivot to shield the defence and cut off the passing lane to the opposition strikers. Pino and Bruno operate as a pairing, with Pino working to recycle possession and Bruno looking to carry the ball forward into the half spaces. Retsos and Granata occupy the wide areas to compress the midfield and provide the necessary width to spread the defence.

Up front, Franzino and Niosi work as a two man partnership in the attacking third. Franzino acts as a pressing centre forward to force a long ball, while Niosi looks to hold up the ball and play a one two with the oncoming midfielders. Retsos and Granata pull wide to stretch the defence and deliver crosses. The attack thrives on link up play between the lines and sudden runs in behind to break the lines.

A major strength of this Bologna lineup is the ability to create wide overloads. When Retsos and Granata push high, they can isolate wide players in one on one situations to win the ball back high up the pitch. The team also benefits from numerical superiority in the center, as Barez, Pino, and Bruno can combine in tight spaces to control the tempo. This makes the team very difficult to play through.

This three five two is a robust formation designed for teams that want to press high and dominate transitions. It is best suited for facing opponents that play with a wide back four and struggle to defend against overlapping runs.