Pisa Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Šemper · Caracciolo (C) · Canestrelli · Lusuardi · Marin · Akinsanmiro · Cuadrado · Angori · Tourè · Tramoni · Nzola*

Pisa relies on a vertical style of play that looks to strike quickly on the transition, using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to control the center of the pitch while using wide players to stretch the opposition. The goal is to create space for the two forwards through rapid ball movement and physical presence.

Šemper stays between the posts to command the area and start attacks. In front of him, a back three consisting of Lusuardi, Caracciolo, and Canestrelli provides a solid defensive block. Caracciolo acts as the central figure to win the header and clear the lines, while Lusuardi and Canestrelli cover the space behind him. This unit can defend zonally to ensure the team stays compact when the opposition has the ball.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier to move the ball from deep. Marin sits as a single pivot to shield the defense and pick up runners. Next to him, Tourè and Akinsanmiro work to win the second ball and carry the ball forward into the half spaces. These players connect the defensive line to the attack, often looking to play through the lines to find the front two.

In the attacking phase, Pisa uses two forwards in a partnership to pressure the back line. Nzola acts as a target man to hold up the ball and win physical battles, while Tramoni looks to make runs in behind to exploit gaps. Angori and Cuadrado act as wing backs who push high to provide width, often looking to overlap the winger or deliver a cross on the run. This combination of central strength and wide movement forces the opposition to defend across the whole pitch.

One major strength of this Pisa lineup is the numerical superiority in midfield which allows them to dominate the center. The team also benefits from the ability to transition quickly, using the pace of the wing backs to create wide overloads. When defending, the compact nature of the three center backs and the single pivot makes it hard for opponents to find space between the lines.

This 3-5-2 formation is built to be a direct and physically imposing side. It is best suited for games against teams that leave space behind their midfield or struggle to deal with a strong target man.