Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Roma aims to win the ball back high up the pitch and strike quickly, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on a heavy press and rapid transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team seeks to control the game through aggressive movement and verticality, making them a threat when they can hit in behind on the transition.

Svilar operates between the posts to command the area. The defensive unit sits in a back five, where Mancini acts as the central anchor to organize the line. Hermoso or Ghilardi play as the right centre-back to provide ball playing qualities, while Ndicka or Ziolkowski occupy the left centre-back slot to provide physical presence. The wide defenders are tasked with providing significant width, as Angelinho or Tsimikas act as attacking wing backs on the left, and Wesley, Celik, or Rensch cover the right side. This defensive group works to squeeze the space between the lines and protect the middle of the pitch.

The midfield consists of a two-man central pairing designed to bridge the gap between the back five and the front three. El Aynaoui or Cristante work to shield the defence, often dropping deep to receive from the centre-backs and recycle possession. Konè, Pellegrini, or Pisilli play as the more advanced runners who drive forward with the ball to break the line. This pairing must be diligent to track back and ensure the team does not get caught on the break, while also looking to find the feet of the striker in the final third.

Roma uses three attackers to stretch the defence across the pitch. Dovbyk or Ferguson operates as a pressing centre-forward, using their presence to hold up the ball and wait for support. On the flanks, Soulè or Dybala play as inverted wingers on the right to cut inside, while Bailey or ElShaarawi act as wide attackers on the left to spread the play. These forwards press the opposition back line heavily to force a long ball, creating opportunities for the wingers to exploit space or for the team to win the second ball in advanced areas.

A primary strength of this Roma lineup is the ability to create wide overloads through the wing backs pushing high. This forces the opposition to defend deep and leaves gaps in the half-spaces for the midfielders to exploit. Furthermore, the team is capable of pressing in coordinated waves, making it very difficult for opponents to build play from the back.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a solid platform for teams that want to defend compactly and counter at pace. It is best suited for facing opponents that play a high line and leave space behind their defenders.