Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

37 A. Fernandez (1 Brkic)
24 Dragovic (2 Sama)
21 Kongolo (26 Peybernes)
4 Denswil (C) (13 Peluso (vc))
10 Wilshere (15 Hughes)
8 Shea (17 Medel (vc))
7 Chamberlain (22 Williams)
18 Willems (3 Cresswell)
14 Duarte (31 Dzemaili (vc))
11 Bale (61 Puggioni)
25 Benzia (9 Arnautovic)

Bologna aim to dominate the middle of the pitch and control the tempo of the game using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup relies on heavy central presence to dictate play and win the ball back through high intensity. The football played by this side is built around a strong central spine that looks to recycle possession and push the team forward through the middle of the park.

In goal, A. Fernandez protects the net while the defensive unit operates in a back three. Captain Denswil leads the line as the left centre-back, acting as a ball playing defender to help build play from the back. He is supported by Kongolo on the left and Dragovic on the right, who provides aerial strength and covers the space behind the midfield. The defensive unit stays compact to prevent holes between the lines, ensuring the back three can shift easily to cover the width of the pitch.

The midfield is a dense five man block that focuses on controlling the central zones. Wilshere and Shea sit in a double pivot to shield the defence and break up play, while Willems and Chamberlain occupy the half spaces to drive forward with the ball. Duarte acts as a link to connect the defensive line with the attackers, often dropping deep to receive and move the ball into better areas. This group works to squeeze the space in the middle, forcing the opposition to play wide and making it hard for them to find passing lanes through the center.

Bologna use two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. Benzia and Bale act as the main attacking threats, often working in combinations to pull the opposition defenders out of position. Benzia operates as the left striker, while Bale pushes from the right to find space. The attackers press from the front to force mistakes, aiming to hit in behind on the transition. This setup creates many opportunities for runs in behind and allows the forwards to combine in tight spaces when the midfield pushes high.

This formation offers Bologna significant numerical superiority in midfield, which makes it very difficult for opponents to control the center. The use of two strikers also allows the team to pin the last defender and create space for the midfielders to arrive late into the box. The side is capable of shifting between a compact mid block and a high press to win the ball back high up the pitch.

The 3-5-2 lineup is a central powerhouse designed to dominate possession and control the rhythm of the match. It is best suited for games against teams that rely on central play, as the midfield can easily overwhelm them.