Como Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Braunöder · Moreno · Engelhardt · Dossena · Perrone · Caqueret · Douvikas · Da Cunha · Paz · Strefezza · Butez

Looking to control the center of the pitch through heavy numbers in the middle, Como utilizes a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the ball and squeeze the opposition in their own half. The team seeks to play through the lines with high frequency, using a dense midfield to ensure they can recycle possession and win the second ball.

Butez stays between the posts to organize the back line. Dossena and Engelhardt act as the two central defenders in a narrow defensive block, often required to step up to squeeze the space or cover for the midfielders. Because there are only two defenders, they must hold the line carefully and be prepared to win headers or intercept passes if the high press is bypassed. The duo must be ready to defend man-to-man if the opposition plays direct.

The midfield is the engine of the Como lineup, featuring a single pivot of Moreno and Braunöder who sit deep to shield the two centre-backs. Caqueret and Perrone operate as two inverted eights in the half-spaces, providing the connection between the defense and the front three. Paz plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space and play through the lines. This midfield unit works to compress the midfield, making it very difficult for opponents to play out from the back.

In the attacking phase, Douvikas acts as a pressing centre-forward to lead the line. He is supported by Da Cunha and Strefezza, who act as wide wingers that look to cut inside and create central presence. The team uses the movement of the front three to pin the last defender and create runs in behind. While the wingers pull wide to stretch the defence, the movement of Paz and the wide forwards creates combinations in tight spaces to find Douvikas.

One major advantage of this setup is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows Como to control the tempo of the game. Another strength is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, using the front three and the five midfielders to force a long ball. This creates a high level of compactness when defending the middle of the pitch, forcing opponents to the flanks where they are less dangerous.

This formation is designed for a team that wants to dominate possession and pin the opponent in their own third. It is best suited for matches against sides that defend in a low block and can be broken down by heavy midfield pressure.