Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Diego Alves (12 Trapp)
5 Benedetti (C) (23 Evans)
27 Kana-Biyik (19 Milosevic)
4 Alderweireld (25 Glik (vc))
3 Daprelá (33 N'Koulou (vc))
8 Danilo (26 Camara)
6 Acquah (21 Bamba)
22 Obi (15 Viola)
7 Iturbe (11 Edigar)
9 Gomis (20 Erding)
18 Montero (17 John)

Torino aims to dominate the pitch through a highly vertical style of play using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and quickly transition into attacking movements. By pushing many players forward, the team seeks to overwhelm the opposition in the final third through rapid ball progression and directness.

Diego Alves starts between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line consists of a narrow pair of central defenders with Alderweireld and Kana-Biyik. Alderweireld acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks, while Kana-Biyik provides cover and stays deep to protect the space behind. Because there are no full backs, these two must be careful to hold the line when facing wide threats, effectively operating as a compact unit to minimize space in the middle.

The midfield acts as the engine of the Torino lineup, utilizing a five man unit to control the center. Benedetti (C) operates as the single pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession, while Daprelá sits alongside him to help win the second ball. Danilo connects the lines by driving forward with the ball and making late runs into the box. On the flanks, Obi and Acquah push into the half spaces to create numerical advantages, allowing the team to control the tempo and press aggressively in a mid-block.

In the final third, the team uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Gomis serves as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Montero and Iturbe act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to pull defenders out of position. This setup allows Montero and Iturbe to cut inside and create chances, while also looking to hit in behind on the transition. The front three work together to press the opposition back line and force long balls.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly the ability to press high in coordinated waves to win the ball in dangerous areas. The presence of Danilo, Obi, and Acquah creates a heavy central presence that can squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch. Additionally, the team can create wide overloads when the wingers combine with the midfielders to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

The 2-5-3 formation is a high risk, high reward system centered on aggressive pressing and rapid forward movement. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back and can be caught out by verticality.