Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Rui Patricio (12 V. Valdes)
6 Smalling (44 Manolas)
15 Hummels (23 Vlaar)
5 Sørensen (14 Laporte)
19 Jesé (22 Jairo)
20 Xhaka (26 Ebecilio)
8 Matić (16 Paredes)
92 El Shaarawy (3 Dočekal)
77 Mkhitaryan (C) (52 Pellegrini)
7 Iturbe (21 Dybala)
9 Gomis (11 Ezekiel)

Roma relies on a direct and vertical style of play, utilizing a 3-4-3 formation to stretch the pitch. This lineup is built to play with high intensity, looking to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly move it toward the final third. The goal is to use the width provided by the wide midfielders to create gaps in the opposition defense.

Rui Patricio stands between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit functions as a back three, with Hummels acting as the central figure to sweep behind the line and manage the space. Smalling operates as the right center back to provide aerial strength and physical presence, while Sørensen covers the left side. This trio works to hold a high line and compress the space between the defense and the midfield.

The midfield operates as two central players flanked by wide players, creating a bank of four. Matić sits in the middle to shield the defense and recycle possession, while Xhaka acts as a deep lying playmaker with his notable passing range to find teammates. Jesé and El Shaarawy occupy the wide areas to provide width. Jesé works to track back and help the defense, while El Shaarawy pushes forward to support the attack and win the ball back in the middle third.

Roma employs three attackers to pin the last defender and create constant pressure. Gomis acts as the lone striker, using his strength to hold up the ball and wait for support. Mkhitaryan, the captain, plays on the right wing and cuts inside to link up with the midfield. He uses his clever movement to find pockets of space. Iturbe occupies the left wing, looking to get to the byline and deliver crosses. This front three works to press the opposition back line to force errors.

This formation offers several tactical advantages for Roma. The presence of Xhaka and Matić allows for control of the central zone, while the three center backs ensure compactness when defending. The team can also create wide overloads when Jesé and El Shaarawy push high to support the wingers. This allows the side to quickly transition from a defensive block into an attacking wave.

This 3-4-3 lineup is built for teams that want to dominate the half spaces and play with verticality. It is best suited for matches where the team needs to exploit space behind the opposition full backs.