Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

SKORUPSKI · THIAW · FABBIAN · DI LORENZO · MANCINI · ZIELINSKI · ALANOCCA · BELLANOVA · NZOLA · L.MARTINEZ · SZOBOLZAI

Bologna aims to dominate through high pressing and quick ball movement, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation. This lineup is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and move the play forward with intensity. The team relies on high energy to squeeze the space in the opponent half and create chances through rapid transitions.

Skorupski acts as the goalkeeper, playing a vital role in starting the build up. The defensive unit operates as a flat back four, with Mancini as the right back and Thiaw as the left back. Mancini often pushes up to provide width, while Thiaw covers the space behind him. Di Lorenzo serves as the right centre back, acting as a ball playing defender to progress play, while Fabbian plays as the left centre back to hold the line. The unit moves together to maintain a high line and secure the area behind them.

The midfield functions as a three man midfield with a carrier. Alanocca sits in the center to shield the defence and recycle possession. Bellanova works as one of the inverted eight, driving forward with the ball to link the lines. Zielinski plays on the left side of the trio, using his passing range to break the line and find attackers. This group works to compress the midfield and ensure the team can transition from a mid block to an attacking position without losing control.

Bologna employs three attackers across the front to stretch the defence. Szobolzai plays as an inverted winger on the right, looking to cut inside and shoot, while Nzola operates on the left wing. L.Martinez acts as the central striker, often working to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for others. The front three press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. They use combinations to pull wide and create space for runs in behind the back line.

This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of Bellanova and Zielinski allows the team to create numerical superiority in midfield when they move into the final third. Bologna can also exploit wide areas by using the movement of Szobolzai and Nzola to isolate defenders in one on one situations.

This 4-3-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to control the tempo through aggressive pressing and quick verticality. It is best suited for games against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under pressure.