Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Cragno (99 Tyton)
6 Howell (19 Gudelj)
22 M. Moreno (5 Tamla Ladji)
23 Colombi (vc) (13 Kantari)
17 Bangoura (8 Dagnall)
10 Succi (C) (20 Marconi)
18 Castro (14 Vandenbussche)
59 L. Martinez (15 Kamghain)
92 El Shaarawy (7 Casadei (vc))
29 Ben Khalifa (21 Dybala)
9 Welbeck (24 Dutil)

Roma relies on a compact, defensive identity built to absorb pressure and strike on the break, utilizing a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is designed to stay narrow and deny space in central areas, making it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. By packing the defensive and midfield lines, Roma aims to force teams into low percentage situations on the flanks.

Cragno guards the goal while the defensive unit stays organized in a deep block. The back five consists of Succi (C), who leads the line as the captain, alongside Bangoura and M. Moreno to form the central trio. Succi acts as the primary organizer to keep the line straight, while Bangoura and M. Moreno focus on winning the second ball and covering space. On the flanks, Howell operates as an attacking wing back on the right to provide width, while Colombi (vc) covers the left. Colombi acts as the vice captain to help maintain the defensive unit as a whole.

The midfield operates in a flat four to maintain compactness. Ben Khalifa plays as an attacking ten behind the striker to link the lines, while L. Martinez and Castro occupy the central roles to shield the defense and win possession. El Shaarawy occupies a central midfield spot to help recycle possession and connect the midfield to the attack. This group works to squeeze the space between the lines, ensuring that any opponent attempting to pass through the middle finds no gaps.

In the attacking phase, the team relies on a lone striker, Welbeck, to hold up the ball and bring others into play. Because the team sits deep, the attack is built through quick transitions rather than sustained possession. Welbeck must act as a target man to receive long balls, allowing Ben Khalifa to push forward and support him. The wing backs, Howell and Colombi (vc), push up to provide width, creating opportunities for cutbacks once the team breaks quickly.

One major advantage for Roma is the ability to remain extremely compact when defending, making it hard for teams to find passing lanes. The presence of three central defenders allows them to defend zonally and protect the box effectively. Additionally, the wide players can provide sudden width in transition, which helps stretch the defence once the ball is won back.

This formation is a defensive tool intended to frustrate teams that dominate possession. It is best suited for matches where Roma needs to sit deep and counter at pace against superior technical sides.