Fiorentina Football Formation
Starting Lineup
1 Viviano (12 Adán)6 Smalling (3 Biraghi (vc))
2 Jørgensen (C) (19 Milosevic)
4 Rojo (23 Fofana)
16 Insua (26 Muniesa)
20 S. Roberto (10 Carraro (vc))
25 Casemiro (15 Mendy)
5 Bonaventura (vc) (8 Mahlangu)
29 Boniperti (7 Sterling)
9 Remy (61 Marrone)
17 Mertens (11 Depay)
Fiorentina relies on a high press and quick transitions, using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play with heavy intensity and verticality, looking to win the ball high up the pitch and hit the opposition before they can settle. The goal is to control wide areas while maintaining a compact block when the team does not have the ball.
Viviano starts between the posts to organize the defensive line. The back five functions with Casemiro acting as the central pillar to win headers and clear the lines. Beside him, Jørgensen (C) provides leadership as the captain and covers the space behind the wing backs, while Rojo plays as the left centre back to step up and intercept passes. Smalling and Insua operate as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and pushing high up the pitch to overlap the attackers. This defensive unit works to stay compact and force the opponent into wide areas where they can be doubled up on.
The midfield works as a two man unit to control the center of the pitch. S. Roberto and Bonaventura act as the two central midfielders who must connect the defensive and attacking lines. S. Roberto is tasked to carry the ball forward and drive into the half spaces, while Bonaventura connects the play and drops into pockets of space to receive on the half turn. They need to squeeze the space in front of the defense and ensure they cover the ground to prevent the opposition from playing through the lines.
Fiorentina uses three attackers across the front to stretch the defense. Remy plays as a pressing centre forward to pin the last defender and fight for second balls. Mertens operates as an inverted winger on the left, looking to cut inside and create chances, while Boniperti stays wide on the right to deliver crosses. This front line focuses on quick combinations and runs in behind to punish mistakes during transitions. The movement of the wingers is designed to create space in the middle for Remy or late runs from the midfield.
This formation offers Fiorentina the advantage of width through Smalling and Insua, which can create wide overloads against a back four. The presence of a strong back three including Casemiro and Jørgensen (C) provides stability when defending against long balls. Another strength is the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the front three and the two midfielders to trap the opposition in their own half.
The 5-2-3 lineup focuses on high intensity and rapid movement in transition. This setup is best suited for facing teams that play with a high defensive line or struggle to handle wide overloads.