Napoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Sorrentino · Colella · Gambardella · Garofalo · Di Martino · De Martino · De Chiara · Borriello · Ballabile · Raggioli · Popovic

Focused on a high press and quick transitions, Napoli operates with a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately look to break the line. The squad relies on verticality to stretch the opposition and create chances through direct play.

Sorrentino plays between the posts to manage the defensive unit. The back four consists of Colella at right back and Di Martino at left back. Gambardella and Garofalo act as the central defenders. Gambardella and Garofalo work to defend zonally as they cover the space behind the full backs. Colella and Di Martino are tasked to push high to provide width, while the central pair must hold the line and win the second ball when the press is broken.

The midfield features a single pivot system to control the center of the pitch. De Chiara sits in front of the defense to shield the back four and recycle possession. De Martino and Borriello operate as the two advanced midfielders in the half-spaces. De Martino works to connect the defense to the attack, while Borriello drives forward with the ball to arrive late into the box. This trio works to compress the midfield and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

In the attacking phase, Napoli uses three forwards to pin the opposition defense. Raggioli leads the line as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Popovic and Ballabile occupy the wide positions, with Popovic on the left and Ballabile on the right. They often pull wide to stretch the defense or cut inside to find space. These movements aim to create runs in behind and allow the full backs to overlap the winger.

This formation offers several tactical advantages through its ability to press in waves. By using the front three to trigger a press, Napoli can force a long ball from the opponent. The team also benefits from numerical superiority in the middle when De Martino and Borriello move into the central areas. Additionally, the width created by Di Martino and Colella helps to isolate wide players in one on one situations.

The 4-3-3 lineup of Napoli is made for aggressive, high-tempo football. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back or leave space behind their defensive line.