Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Dimarco · Di Lorenzo · Bastoni · Buongiorno · Tonali · Barella · Retegui · Verratti · Chiesa · Raspadori · Donnarumma

Italy aims to win the ball high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition through a 5-2-3. This lineup is built to play a direct style that relies on the speed of the front three and the energy of the wing backs. The Azzurri look to squeeze the space in the middle to force a long ball from the opposition.

Donnarumma stands between the posts, using his massive presence to command the area. The defensive unit operates in a back five with Tonali acting as the central anchor to hold the line. Buongiorno and Bastoni form the pair in front of him, with Bastoni known for his passing range to play out from the back. Dimarco and Di Lorenzo function as attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and overlap the wide attackers.

The midfield uses a two man pairing to control the center of the pitch. Verratti operates as a deep lying playmaker who can recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. Beside him, Barella uses his high pressing intensity to win the second ball and carry the ball forward into the attacking third. This duo connects the defensive unit with the front line, often dropping deep to help the centre backs when under pressure.

In the final third, Retegui operates as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender. Chiesa and Raspadori sit wide to stretch the defence, with Chiesa looking to cut inside and attack the far post. This formation allows the team to attack in combinations, using the wing backs to deliver early crosses or cut it back from the byline. The movement is designed to create runs in behind and isolate wide players in one on one situations.

This formation offers significant wide overloads because Dimarco and Di Lorenzo can push so high. Italy can also use the ability to press high in coordinated waves, with the front three and the midfield pressing in pairs to win the ball back high up the pitch. The compactness when defending in a mid block makes it difficult for opponents to play through the lines.

The 5-2-3 provides a balance between a solid defensive block and rapid attacking transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and can be punished on the break.