Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

24 Stekelenburg (1 S. Asenjo)
22 Smalling (44 Kjaer)
15 Hummels (2 Alderweireld)
3 Lombaerts (23 Vlaar)
59 Ryiazantsev (26 Albrighton)
29 De Guzman (16 M. Suarez)
6 Strootman (C) (18 Ndinga)
8 Perotti (15 Iago Falqué)
19 Thiago (52 Ceppellini)
25 Wijnaldum (17 Dembelé)
9 Gomis (11 N'Doye)

Roma aims to dominate through a high press and rapid attacking transitions using a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball high up the pitch and using the wide areas to stretch the opposition. The team looks to play with verticality, looking to hit the opposition defense before they can set their lines.

Stekelenburg acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit consists of a back three where Mats Hummels plays as the central ball playing defender. He uses his passing range to start attacks from deep. Beside him, Lombaerts and Smalling occupy the left and right wide centre back roles respectively. Smalling provides aerial strength and physical presence, while Lombaerts covers the space when the wide midfielders push forward. They defend zonally to keep the back line compact and close the gaps between the defenders.

The midfield operates with a heavy presence in the center to control the tempo. De Guzman sits in a single pivot role to shield the defense and pick up runners. Captain Strootman operates as the main engine, driving forward with the ball and connecting the defense to the attack. Ryiazantsev and Perotti play in the half spaces, acting as two tens who can support the midfield or push higher. Strootman and De Guzman work to win the second ball, while Perotti and Ryiazantsev help to recycle possession when the team faces pressure.

In the final third, Roma utilizes three attackers to pin the opposition back line. Gomis serves as the lone striker and a target man to hold up the ball and link with others. Thiago plays as an inverted winger on the right, cutting inside to create space for overlaps. Wijnaldum occupies the left wing, looking to run in behind or cut back from the byline. The front three press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, creating chances for the midfield to intercept and break quickly.

One major advantage for Roma is the ability to create wide overloads through the combination of the wingers and the midfielders. By having Thiago and Wijnaldum move inside, they create space for the midfield to push high and overload the central areas. The formation also allows for a very high press in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to play out from the back. This setup provides great flexibility to transition from a compact mid block into a direct attacking threat.

This 3-4-3 formation is built to overwhelm opponents through intensity and width. It is best suited for games where Roma can exploit space behind the opposition full backs during transitions.