Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
BERTHOLD · NELA · ALDAIR · TEMPESTILLI · DESIDERI · GEROLIN · GIANNINI · Di MAURO · RIZZITELLI · VÖLLER · CERVONERoma looks to win the ball high and strike with speed using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a direct style of football that relies on heavy defensive solidity and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team aims to remain hard to beat in a low block before using the pace of the forwards to hit in behind on the transition.
CERVONE guards the goal as the defensive unit sits in a narrow defensive block. A back five consists of DESIDERI acting as the central anchor, with ALDAIR and NELA positioned on either side to win the header and cover the space. BERTHOLD and TEMPESTILLI operate as attacking wing backs to provide width, while the central defenders look to clear the lines and prevent any through balls. The unit functions to squeeze the space between the lines and protect the central areas.
The midfield relies on a two man unit to connect the defense and the attack. GIANNINI and GEROLIN operate in the center to protect the back five and win the second ball. GIANNINI works to shield the defense and intercept passes, while GEROLIN attempts to carry the ball forward to link play. This pairing must work hard to press in a mid-block and ensure they do not get bypassed by the opposition midfield.
Roma uses three attackers across the front to stretch the defence. VÖLLER acts as a target man to hold up the ball and provide a focal point for long balls. RIZZITELLI and Di MAURO play as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chances in central areas. These forwards are tasked to press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The movement is designed to create runs in behind and allow for quick combinations in the final third.
One tactical advantage for Roma is the ability to remain compact when defending with a five man back line. The team can also create wide overloads when BERTHOLD and TEMPESTILLI push up to support the wingers. This setup provides a strong platform for a counter at pace once the ball is won back in the middle of the pitch.
This 5-2-3 formation is built for teams that want to stay defensively solid and rely on clinical finishing. It is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their defensive line.