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/TSIMIKAS · WESLEY/Celik/Rensch

Roma prefers to play with 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 rapidly against the opposition defense. The team focuses on verticality to catch opponents out of position before they can settle.

Svilar acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit operates with a back three consisting of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso or Ziolkowski. Mancini acts as the central anchor, dominant in the air and commanding the zone. Hermoso or Ziolkowski play as the right or left centre-back, while Ndicka provides cover and works to win the second ball. The wing backs, Angelinho or Tsimikas on the left and Wesley, Celik, or Rensch on the right, provide the width. They push high to support the attack but must track back to maintain a narrow defensive block when the team loses possession.

The midfield consists of a two-man engine room to link the back line to the front three. El Aynaoui or Cristante occupies the left central midfield role, working to shield the defense and press aggressively to win the ball. Konè, Pellegrini, or Pisilli plays on the right, looking to carry the ball forward and connect the play. These two midfielders must cover significant ground to prevent being bypassed in the middle of the pitch. They work to win the ball back high up the pitch to feed the attackers immediately.

Roma uses three attackers across the front line to stretch the defense. Dovbyk acts as the lone striker and target man, working to hold up the ball and win headers. Soulè, Dybala, or Baldanzi occupy the right wing, often cutting inside to find space between the lines. On the left, Bailey or ElShaarawi plays as an inverted winger to create goalscoring chances. The forwards press the opposition back line in pairs to force a long ball and regain control.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press in coordinated waves. The wide overloads created by the wing backs allow Roma to spread wide and stretch the defense. Additionally, the three central defenders provide compactness when defending deep, making it hard for opponents to find space in the box.

The 5-2-3 formation provides Roma with a strong platform for aggressive counter attacking and high pressing. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line or struggle to handle physical strikers.