Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Torino relies on a highly aggressive 2-5-3 formation to control matches. The team focuses on pressing high to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half. This lineup is designed for teams that want to dominate the ball and stay on the front foot throughout the game. By pushing many players forward, the team aims to force mistakes from the opposition in their own defensive third.

In goal, Israel acts as the last line of defense. The defensive unit consists of a back two made up of Maripan and Coco. Because there are no traditional full backs, Maripan and Coco must play in a high line and be ready to step up to squeeze the space. They are required to be dominant in the air and quick to cover the space behind them when the opponent tries to hit in behind on the transition. The two center backs must stay very compact to ensure they do not get split by through balls.

The midfield functions as a massive block of five players to control the center of the pitch. Asllani and Ilic form a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. They work to protect Maripan and Coco while also looking to play short from the back to progress through the thirds. Casadei and Schuurs play as two central midfielders who drive forward with the ball and make late runs into the box. Vlasic operates as an attacking ten, finding pockets of space to link the midfield to the attack and play through the lines.

The front line consists of three players who spread the pitch. Simeone leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. Aboukhlal and Ngonge act as wide wingers who spread wide to stretch the defence and create space in the middle. These wingers look to get to the byline and deliver crosses or cut inside to find teammates. The goal is to create combinations in tight spaces and use the movement of the wide players to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

One major advantage for Torino is the numerical superiority in the attacking and middle thirds. With five midfielders and three forwards, the team can easily create wide overloads and overload the central areas. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows the team to win the ball back high up the pitch. This creates many opportunities to attack the near post or the far post before the opponent can settle into a defensive position.

This 2-5-3 formation is a bold way to play that prioritizes offensive pressure and ball dominance. It is best suited for facing teams that play in a low block and struggle to cope with constant pressure.