Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Svilar · Mancini · Ndicka/ZIOLKOWSKI · Hermoso/GHILARDI · Konè/Pellegrini/Pisilli · EL AYNAOUI/Cristante · BAILEY/ElShaarawi · Soulè/Dybala/Baldanzi · Dovbyk/FERGUSON · Angelinho/Salah E. · WESLEY/Celik/Rensch

Roma focuses on a high press and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike fast before the opposition can settle. The team looks to dominate territory by squeezing the space in the opponent half, using the width of the pitch to stretch the defence during attacks.

Svilar sits between the posts to organize the back line. The defence works in a back five where Mancini acts as the central anchor, providing aerial strength and leadership. To his left, Ndicka or Ziolkowski covers the space while Hermoso or Ghilardi operates as the right sided centre back. The wing backs provide the width, with Angelinho or Salah E. pushing up on the left and Wesley, Celik, or Rensch driving forward on the right. This unit can shift from a deep block to a high line depending on how far the forwards press.

The midfield functions as a double pivot tasked with controlling the tempo and protecting the back five. El Aynaoui or Cristante sits in the left central midfield role to shield the defence and win the second ball. Konè, Pellegrini, or Pisilli occupies the right central midfield position to drive forward with the ball and connect the defence to the attack. These players must be ready to intercept passes and immediately look to play through the lines to the front three.

In the attacking third, Roma uses three forwards to pin the last defender. Dovbyk or Ferguson leads the line as a physical presence to hold up the ball and fight for headers. Soulè, Dybala, or Baldanzi operate from the right wing, often cutting inside to create chances, while Bailey or ElShaarawi occupies the left side to provide width. This front three works to press the opposition back line, looking for runs in behind or quick combinations to catch the opponent out of position.

A major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs overlap the wingers. The team can also achieve compactness when defending by dropping into a narrow defensive block that is hard to break down centrally. The speed of transition allows Roma to exploit gaps left by teams that push too high, using the pace of the wide attackers to hit in behind.

Roma relies on intense pressure and verticality to unsettle their opponents. This formation is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and struggle to deal with quick, direct transitions.