Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Atalanta focuses on a high press and quick transitions within a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and push the opposition back through constant pressure and verticality. The team seeks to dominate through intensity and directness, making them a threat in every phase of play.

Carnesecchi guards the goal while the team employs a back five that can shift between a wide defensive block and a higher line. De Roon sits in the center as a ball playing defender to help build play from the back. Hien and Posch act as the central defenders, with Hien providing aerial strength and Posch covering the space. Bellanova and Kolasinac function as attacking wing backs, ready to push up the flanks to provide width. The unit works together to squeeze the space and ensure the opponent cannot easily play through the lines.

The midfield relies on a two man midfield in the center. Ederson acts as a carrier to drive forward with the ball, while Pasalic helps connect the defensive and attacking lines. They must work to press aggressively to win the ball high and prevent the opposition from controlling the tempo. Ederson uses his energy to cover ground and disrupt play, while Pasalic looks to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. This central duo links the back five to the front three, allowing for rapid shifts in play.

Up front, Retegui acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the hunt from the front. Lookman and De Ketelaere play as wide attackers who often cut inside to create central presence. This movement allows Bellanova and Kolasinac to overlap the winger and whip it in toward the box. Lookman uses his dribbling style to beat his marker, while De Ketelaere works to receive on the half-turn and play the ball into space. The front line aims to hit in behind on the transition to punish any defensive errors.

A significant advantage for Atalanta is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The high positioning of attacking wing backs like Bellanova creates wide overloads that stretch the defence. Additionally, the team excels at speed of transition, as the midfield can quickly find the front three after winning it back high up the pitch.

This 5-2-3 formation is an aggressive lineup designed for high intensity attacking football. It is best suited for matches against opponents that play out from the back and leave space for runners in behind.