Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

E. DZEKO · D. DE ROSSI · CAFU · V. CANDELA · R. NAINGGOLAN · W. SAMUEL · K. MANOLAS · F. TOTTI · S. PERROTTA · A. AQUILANI · ALISSON

Roma plays with a high press and vertical intent using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and move the play forward as quickly as possible. The team aims to control games by stretching the opposition through wide play and quick combinations in the final third.

Alisson starts between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit sits as a flat back four with Cafu acting as an attacking full back on the right to push high up the pitch. On the left, V. Candela provides width while K. Manolas and W. Samuel form the central pairing. Manolas is known for his recovery speed to cover the high line, while Samuel provides strength in the air. The defenders work to squeeze the space and protect the goalkeeper.

The midfield operates as a three-man midfield with a single pivot. D. De Rossi sits in front of the defence to shield the back four and recycle possession. Beside him, R. Nainggolan acts as a carrier who drives forward with the ball and presses aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch. A. Aquilani plays in the half-spaces to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often receiving the ball to play through the lines. This trio ensures Roma can transition quickly from a defensive block to an attacking phase.

In the attacking third, the team uses three attackers across the front. E. Dzeko acts as the target man to hold up the ball and allow others to join the play. On the wings, S. Perrotta and F. Totti provide constant movement. F. Totti operates as an inverted winger who cuts inside to create chances, using his renowned passing range and vision to find teammates. The forwards press the opposition back line to force a long ball. This setup creates many runs in behind and allows the team to attack in combinations through the center.

One tactical advantage for Roma is the ability to create wide overloads when Cafu joins the attack. The team also benefits from numerical superiority in midfield when the trio of De Rossi, Nainggolan, and Aquilani controls the central zone. These overlapping runs and quick transitions make the lineup very difficult to track.

This formation provides a balanced way to control the tempo while remaining lethal on the counter at pace. It is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.