Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Marco Carnesecchi · Isak Hien · Berat Djimsiti · Raoul Bellanova · Éderson · Charles De Ketelaere · Matteo Ruggeri · Marten de Roon · Ademola Lookman · Mateo Retegui · Giorgio Scalvini

Atalanta looks to win the ball back high up the pitch through a relentless high press, utilizing a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to dominate through physical intensity and verticality. The team seeks to squeeze the space in the opponent's half to force turnovers and strike quickly.

Marco Carnesecchi operates between the posts, acting as the foundation of the defensive unit. The back line consists of a back three with Giorgio Scalvini acting as the central anchor, while Berat Djimsiti and Isak Hien occupy the left and right central defender roles. Scalvini is known for his ability to read the game and his composure when playing out from the back. Djimsiti and Hien act as aggressive defenders who look to win the second ball and step up to engage attackers. The unit functions as a compact block that stays high to support the pressing lines.

The midfield operates as a three-man unit with Marten de Roon acting as the primary screen to shield the defence. He is a tireless worker who excels at breaking up play and winning duels in the center. Raoul Bellanova and Matteo Ruggeri provide the necessary width, acting as attacking wing backs who push high to support the front line. In the central areas, Éderson and Charles De Ketelaere operate in the half-spaces. Éderson carries the ball forward with high energy, while De Ketelaere finds pockets of space to link the midfield to the attack.

Atalanta employs two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defence. Ademola Lookman operates as an advanced attacker who uses his dribbling style and pace to threaten the space behind the opposition back line. Mateo Retegui plays as a pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and hold up the ball for his teammates. This duo creates constant movement, with Lookman often cutting inside to find goalscoring opportunities while Retegui makes runs to pull defenders out of position. The team uses the wide areas to create overloads before delivering crosses into the box.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, particularly the ability to press high in coordinated waves to disrupt the opponent's build up. The wing backs, Bellanova and Ruggeri, allow the team to create wide overloads that force the opposing full backs into difficult decisions. By using a central trio of De Roon, Éderson, and De Ketelaere, the team can maintain control and win the second ball in the middle of the pitch.

The 3-5-2 formation makes Atalanta a formidable force through its aggressive pressing and ability to transition quickly. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.