Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Torino plays a direct and high pressing game using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly. The identity of the team focuses on vertical play to exploit the opposition in transition.

Israel stays between the posts to guard the goal. The defensive unit operates as a back five with Maripan, Ilic, and Asllani as the central defenders. Maripan and Asllani act as the primary central defenders to win the header and clear the lines. Ilic provides cover for his partners. Coco plays as a left wing back to spread wide and track back. Schuurs operates as a right wing back, looking to overlap the winger and defend the flanks. The unit stays compact to deny the turn and protect the middle.

The midfield functions as a double pivot with Vlasic and Casadei. Vlasic works to connect the defensive and attacking lines, often dropping deep to receive the ball and play through the lines. Casadei helps to shield the defense and works to win the second ball. They aim to compress the midfield to prevent the opponent from finding space between the lines. This two man unit ensures the team can transition from defense to attack with speed.

In the attacking third, Torino uses three attackers with Simeone as the lone striker. Simeone works to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Aboukhlal and Ngonge play as wide wingers who cut inside to create goal scoring chances. They look to isolate a one on one situation or make runs in behind the defense. The wingers aim to get to the byline to deliver a cross or cut it back to the players arriving late into the box.

A major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wide defenders, Coco and Schuurs, provide width to stretch the defense while the central trio stays narrow. This creates wide overloads when the wingers and wing backs combine. Additionally, the back five provides extreme compactness when defending a low block.

This 5-2-3 lineup is a powerful tool for teams that thrive on quick transitions. It is best suited for games against teams that play with a high line and struggle to defend the channels.