Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Rui Patricio (38 José Carlos)
5 Borja Lopez (6 Smalling)
15 Hummels (C) (23 Scrugli (vc))
29 Ayling (2 Palmer-Brown)
20 Xhaka (4 Cristante)
8 Geis (18 Saviola)
17 Ceballos (7 Succi)
59 Z. Arjol (35 Ricci)
77 Mkhitaryan (16 Paredes)
21 Dybala (61 Pasciuti)
9 Welbeck (11 Mauersberger)

Roma seeks to control games through a high press and verticality in this 3-4-3 formation. The lineup is built to squeeze the space high up the pitch and win the ball back quickly to catch opponents out of position. This system relies on aggressive movement to stretch the defence and create direct chances in the final third.

Rui Patricio acts as the last line of defence behind a back three. Captain Mats Hummels leads the central unit, providing aerial strength and experience to hold the line. Borja Lopez and Ayling sit on either side of him, acting as wide centre-backs who can step up into midfield or cover the space behind the wing backs. This defensive unit functions to keep the team compact while managing the high line.

The midfield operates with a central pairing to control the tempo. Granit Xhaka uses his passing range to connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Geis works alongside him to win the second ball. Z. Arjol and Ceballos occupy the wide roles, acting as wing backs who provide width and ability to track back when needed. This midfield group works to compress the midfield and deny the turn to opposing playmakers.

Up front, the attack features a front three designed to pin the last defender. Welbeck operates as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line and find the feet of the striker. Dybala and Mkhitaryan play as inverted wingers who cut inside to create goalscoring opportunities. They look to pull wide to create space before making runs in behind or looking to play a one-two in the half-spaces to split the defence.

One major strength for Roma is the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the front three and wing backs. The formation also offers the chance to create wide overloads when Ceballos and Z. Arjol push forward. This allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations once the ball is progressed through the thirds.

This 3-4-3 formation provides a strong platform for aggressive, high intensity football. It is best suited for matches where Roma needs to dominate possession and force a long ball from the opposition.