Fiorentina Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 Viviano (12 Adan)
6 Smalling (3 Biraghi (vc))
2 Jorgensen (19 Milosevic)
23 Fofana (13 Da Silva)
4 Rojo (26 Muniesa)
25 Casemiro (15 Mendy)
10 Carraro (vc) (20 Xhaka)
5 Bonaventura (C) (21 Ranocchia)
29 Boniperti (7 Sterling)
9 Remy (61 Marrone)
17 Diallo (11 Depay)

Fiorentina aims to control games through a solid defensive base and quick transitions in a 5-2-3. This formation relies on a strong defensive unit to absorb pressure before looking to exploit space behind the opponent. The team is built to sit deep and strike with verticality when they win the ball back.

Viviano operates between the posts to manage the defensive line. The back five features Casemiro acting as the central anchor to win headers and clear the lines, while Fofana and Jorgensen sit on either side to provide coverage. Smalling and Rojo act as attacking wing backs to provide width. Smalling pushes high to overlap the winger, while Rojo is expected to use his experience to cover the flank and defend zonally. The unit stays compact to deny the turn to opposition attackers.

The midfield relies on a two man pairing to connect the lines. Captain Bonaventura sits in the left central role to link the defence and attack, using his passing range to find teammates. Carraro, who serves as the vice captain, plays alongside him to shield the defence and win the second ball. They work to compress the midfield and prevent opponents from playing through the lines. This duo must be disciplined to ensure the team does not get caught out on the break.

In the final third, the attack uses three players to stretch the defence. Remy acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and provide a central presence. Diallo and Boniperti operate as wide attackers, with Diallo playing as an inverted winger to cut inside and create chances. Boniperti stays wide to provide width and look for opportunities to cross. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage for Fiorentina is the ability to create wide overloads when Smalling and Rojo push forward. The team also gains numerical superiority in central areas when the wing backs tuck in to defend. This setup makes it very difficult for teams to find space between the lines.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a heavy defensive block that is difficult to break down. It is best suited for facing teams that dominate possession and rely on wide play.