Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Marco Carnesecchi · Giorgio Scalvini · Isak Hien · Raoul Bellanova · Nicola Zalewski · Éderson · Mario Pasalić · Charles De Ketelaere · Ademola Lookman · Gianluca Scamacca · Yunus Musah

Atalanta focuses on high pressing and heavy verticality using a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and attack the opposition immediately upon recovery. The goal is to stretch the defence through rapid transitions and relentless energy.

Marco Carnesecchi plays in goal to anchor the defensive unit. The back line functions as a flat back four where Raoul Bellanova acts as an attacking full back to provide width on the right. Nicola Zalewski covers the left side and can push forward to support the attack. Giorgio Scalvini and Isak Hien operate as central defenders, with Scalvini acting as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back. They must stay compact to avoid being caught by long balls while the unit works to squeeze the space.

The midfield functions as a three-man midfield with a carrier. Yunus Musah acts as the single pivot to shield the defence and intercept passes. Beside him, Éderson works as a carrier to drive forward with the ball and connect the lines. Mario Pasalić operates in the half-spaces to press aggressively and win the second ball. This group is tasked to press in a mid-block and then transition quickly once the ball is won.

In the attacking phase, the team uses three attackers across the front. Gianluca Scamacca operates as a pressing centre-forward to pin the last defender and hold up the ball. Ademola Lookman plays as an inverted winger on the left to cut inside and create chances, while Charles De Ketelaere occupies the right wing to move into central areas. These players look to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines to create scoring opportunities. The front three work together to trigger a press from the front.

Atalanta gains a major advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. This creates many chances to hit in behind on the transition. The midfield trio provides numerical superiority in the center to control the tempo and recycle possession when needed. They also use the width provided by the full backs to stretch the defence.

The 4-3-3 formation is defined by its aggressive pressing and high energy. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.