Sampdoria Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23 Russ
21 Pipolo
4 Mantovani
29 De Ceglie
13 Mila (40 Polanski)
8 (c) Stankenvicius
3 Ziegler
17 Smith
99 Cassano (18 Gambino)
20 Borrielo
9 Pozzi (30 Volpato)

Sampdoria focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 3-4-3. This formation is built to win the ball high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. The team looks to play with intensity to disrupt the opponent's build up play and move forward through the lines rapidly.

Pipolo acts as the goalkeeper to start the build up. The back line functions as a back three with Mantovani, De Ceglie, and Russ. Mantovani acts as a central defender who stays deep, while De Ceglie and Russ provide cover on the sides of the central zone. The unit works to defend zonally and can step up to squeeze the space when the team triggers a press.

The midfield operates with a central core of four players. Mila plays as a single pivot to shield the defence and win the second ball. Stankenvicius, the captain, works alongside Smith and Ziegler to connect the defence and attack. Stankenvicius and Smith focus on driving forward with the ball, while Ziegler helps to recycle possession and drop into space to receive. This midfield group works to compress the midfield and prevent the opponent from playing through the centre.

In the final third, Sampdoria uses three attackers to pin the last defender. Cassano and Borrielo act as wide wingers who cut inside to create central presence. Pozzi operates as a pressing centre forward to lead the line and find the feet of the striker in tight spaces. The wingers look to isolate a one-on-one wide or make runs in behind to catch the defence out. The team attacks in combinations to find gaps in the opposition block.

The tactical advantages of this formation include the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the front three and the midfield. The 3-4-3 allows Sampdoria to create wide overloads when the midfielders push higher. This setup also provides compactness when defending in a mid-block.

This 3-4-3 formation is designed for a high intensity game where winning the ball high is the priority. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.