Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

An aggressive, high pressing style defines Bologna and their 2-5-3 formation. Winning the ball back high up the pitch to launch quick attacks is a primary goal. This formation is designed to dominate the center of the park and force the opposition into mistakes.

PATERNITI stays in goal to organize the unit. The lineup uses a very high line, with DI MAGGIO and TOURE acting as the two central defenders. DI MAGGIO and TOURE must be capable of playing out from the back and covering the large gaps left behind. Defending zonally allows them to intercept long balls and stop the transition. Because there are only two, they must be ready to step up and set the offside trap or drop deep to cover runners.

A five-man midfield block controls the tempo of the game. BAREZ sits in a single pivot role to shield the defense and recycle possession. PINO and DI BELLA work as two central midfielders who carry the ball forward and bridge the gaps. On the sides, GRANATA and RETOS act as attacking midfielders in the half-spaces, ready to press aggressively and win the ball back high up the pitch. This group helps to compress the midfield and keep the ball in the opposition half.

Up front, three attackers work to pin the opposition. NIOSI leads the line as a striker who can hold up the ball and link up play between the lines. BRUNO and FRANZINO play as wide attackers, either cutting inside to score or pulling wide to deliver crosses. These players look to make runs in behind the defense and use cutbacks from the byline to create chances. The front line works to stretch the defence and create space in the middle.

One key advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch. Such control allows the team to win the second ball easily. Additionally, the combination of a high press and a five-man midfield creates the ability to press high in coordinated waves. This constant pressure forces the opponent to play long and allows the defenders to intercept the play.

The 2-5-3 formation is a bold way to play for Bologna. It is best suited for situations where the team needs to break down a low block through constant pressure.