Cagliari Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12. GOVERNALI (DX 180)
6. D'ARRIGO (DX 190)
4.MISSUD 06 (DX 180)
2.TROVATO (DX 182)
3. GODINO (DX 182)
11. BELLO (DX 177)
8.CHISARI 05 (DX 180)
5.SAKHO (DX 178)
10.GRASSO (DX 182)
9. RANDIS (DX 180)
7.AZZARA (DX 177)

A defensive identity defines Cagliari as they employ a 5-2-3 formation. The team is built to play a counter attacking style that relies on a solid base and rapid movement in transition. This lineup focuses on maintaining a compact presence to deny the turn to attackers before moving forward quickly to exploit gaps.

GOVERNALI operates as the goalkeeper behind a back five. BELLO sits in the centre of the defensive line to anchor the unit, while TROVATO and D'ARRIGO act as the left and right centre backs to cover the width of the area and pick up runners. MISSUD and GODINO function as attacking wing backs who provide width in the final third. They must track back to defend zonally and help the central three hold the line when the team sits deep.

The midfield consists of a double pivot. CHISARI and SAKHO are tasked with controlling the middle of the pitch and breaking the line with vertical passes. SAKHO plays to shield the defence and win the second ball, while CHISARI looks to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds. This duo acts as the link between the defence and the attack, helping to recycle possession or trigger a press in a mid-block to force a long ball.

In the attacking phase, the team uses three players across the front. RANDIS acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. On the flanks, AZZARA and GRASSO play as wide wingers to stretch the defence. AZZARA often looks to cut inside to create chances, while GRASSO aims to get to the byline and deliver early crosses. The wingbacks MISSUD and GODINO will often overlap the wingers to create wide overloads and support the attack.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The presence of five defenders allows the team to maintain compactness when defending and win the second ball in heavy traffic. Additionally, the team can exploit space through speed of transition. By hitting in behind on the transition, the front three can isolate defenders in one on one situations and catch the opposition out of position.

The 5-2-3 formation makes Cagliari a formidable side when looking to exploit counter attacks. This formation is best suited for facing teams that push high up the pitch and leave space behind their back line.