Custom Team Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Dino Zoff (E.Albertosi) (Venezia) · Giacinto Facchetti (G.Zignoli) (Inter) · Giancarlo Antognoni (S.Mazzola) (Fiorentina) · Gigi Riva (J.Altafini) (Cagliari) · Gianni Rivera (R.Bettega) (Milan) · Franco Causio (L.Suarez) (Juventus) · Roberto Rosato (F.Collovati) (Genoa) · Fabio Capello (R.Benetti) (Milan) · Francesco Morini (A.Di Bartolomei) (Juventus) · Giuseppe Furino (S.Gori) (Juventus) · Angelo Anquilletti (A.Cuccureddu) (Milan)Seeking to dominate through high pressure and quick transitions, this lineup uses a 5-2-3 formation. The team aims to win it back high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition to catch the opponent off guard. This system relies on aggressive wing backs and a compact defensive unit to create chances in the final third.
Gigi Riva guards the goal as the last line of defense. The back line operates as a back five, with Franco Causio acting as the central anchor. Giuseppe Furino and Giancarlo Antognoni sit on either side of him to defend zonally and win the second ball. Fabio Capello plays as an attacking wing back on the left, while Gianni Rivera pushes forward on the right to provide width. This unit stays compact to deny the turn to any incoming attackers.
The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Giacinto Facchetti and Angelo Anquilletti work together to shield the defense and recycle possession. Facchetti looks to carry the ball forward, while Anquilletti stays closer to the center to cut off the passing lane. They connect the defensive line to the attackers, ensuring the team can progress through the thirds with control.
In the attacking phase, the team utilizes three attackers across the front. Dino Zoff acts as the lone striker, looking to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for others. Roberto Rosato and Francesco Morini operate as wide wingers, cutting inside to create overloads. Morini and Rosato press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, while their movements allow the wing backs to overlap the winger and deliver crosses.
This formation offers significant tactical advantages, particularly in its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wide overloads created by Gianni Rivera and Fabio Capello stretch the defence and create space in the half spaces. Additionally, the five man defensive block makes the team very difficult to break down, providing great compactness when defending deep.
This 5-2-3 formation is built for a team that wants to control the game through intense pressing and wide attacking play. It is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.