Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

30 Benaglio (31 Oblak)
5 De Vrij (C) (2 Amadou)
3 Milosevic (vc) (12 Moore)
4 Denswil (vc) (13 Carrieri)
34 Marrone (20 Bryzgalov)
17 Medel (vc) (23 N. Welbeck)
7 Templeton (10 Crofts)
8 Mahlangu (25 Bruce)
16 Aranguiz (11 Jesé)
29 Ben Khalifa (77 Pasquato)
9 Arnautovic (19 Ariaudo)

Bologna aims to control the center of the pitch and use a high press to disrupt the opposition through a 3-5-2. This formation is built to play a direct game that relies on winning the second ball and using physical presence to dominate central areas. The lineup focuses on a heavy presence in the middle of the park to squeeze the space and force mistakes from the opponent.

Benaglio starts in goal to manage the defensive line from deep. The back three consists of Denswil, Milosevic, and De Vrij, with the captain De Vrij acting as the leader of the defensive unit. De Vrij is dominant in the air and organizes the line to maintain a compact shape. Denswil and Milosevic sit alongside him to provide coverage and ensure the defensive line remains narrow. They defend zonally to protect the central corridor and step up to catch opponents offside.

The midfield functions as a five man unit designed to congest the middle. Medel and Marrone act as a double pivot to shield the defense and disrupt play. Medel provides the grit to win tackles, while Marrone helps recycle possession. Ahead of them, Mahlangu, Templeton, and Aranguiz form a three man midfield line. Aranguiz and Mahlangu connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Templeton looks to drive forward with the ball into the half spaces. This midfield group works to press aggressively and win the ball back high up the pitch.

Bologna uses two forwards in a partnership to stretch the defense. Arnautovic acts as a powerful presence up front, capable of holding up the ball to bring others into play. Ben Khalifa plays alongside him, looking to make runs in behind or link up play between the lines. The attacking unit works to pin the last defender and create space for the midfielders to arrive late into the box. When the team transitions, the forwards press from the front to force a long ball and regain control quickly.

One major advantage for Bologna is the numerical superiority in midfield, which allows them to dominate the center and control the tempo. The ability to press in a mid block with five players makes it very difficult for opponents to play through the lines. Another strength is the physical presence of the front two and the back three, allowing the team to win the second ball and excel in set piece situations.

This 3-5-2 formation provides a heavy central presence designed to bully opponents in the middle third. It is best suited for games against teams that rely on central passing and struggle to handle physical pressure.