Criciúma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12- Kauã Moroso
14- Marcelo B.
3- Rodrigo
22- M. Hermes
5- M. Trindade
40- E. Morelli
21- Airton*
6- Marcinho
9- Neto Pessoa
77- Diego G.
11- C. Barletta*

Criciúma focuses on high intensity and attacking intent through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with verticality and quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the defensive lines of the opponent.

Kauã Moroso acts as the last line of defense, acting as a shot stopper to protect the goal. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of M. Hermes, Rodrigo, and Marcelo B. Marcelo B. provides coverage on the right, while M. Hermes operates on the left, and Rodrigo holds the center. These three defenders work to defend zonally, making sure they squeeze the space between the lines and stay compact when the team sits in a mid-block.

The midfield is a four man unit that relies on hard work to control the center of the pitch. Marcinho and Airton play on the flanks to provide width and help the defense, while E. Morelli and M. Trindade form a central pairing to battle for the second ball. E. Morelli and M. Trindade work to connect the defense to the attack, with one often dropping deeper to receive the ball while the other looks to carry the ball forward. Marcinho and Airton must track back to help the back three when the team is out of possession.

In the attacking phase, Criciúma utilizes three forwards to pin the opposition defense. Neto Pessoa operates as the lone striker, using his presence to hold up the ball and wait for support. On the wings, Diego G. and C. Barletta play as wide attackers. Diego G. looks to cut inside to create goal scoring chances, while C. Barletta looks to use his pace and dribbling to beat his man. These players press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, allowing the midfield to intercept and start a quick break.

This formation offers significant advantages through wide overloads and the ability to press high in coordinated waves. When Airton and Marcinho push forward, they create numerical superiority in the wide areas, forcing the opposition to pull defenders out of position. The presence of Neto Pessoa allows the team to play through the lines, creating space for the wingers to arrive late into the box or make runs in behind.

Criciúma uses this 3-4-3 to impose their will on the game through aggressive pressing and rapid transitions. This lineup is best suited for matches against teams that play a high line and struggle to defend wide areas during a fast break.