Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

37 A. Fernandez (1 Brkic)
24 Dragovic (5 Mensah)
21 Kongolo (26 Peybernes)
4 Denswil (C) (13 Nugent)
22 Williams (7 Chamberlain)
15 Hughes (31 Dzemaili (vc))
6 Ward-Prowse (29 Pelupessy)
8 Shea (3 Cresswell)
19 Eghan (16 Barkley)
11 Bale (39 Grozav)
10 Arnautovic (9 Dost)

Bologna favors a high press and rapid transitions through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on controlling the central areas of the pitch and using heavy verticality to catch opponents out of position. By committing bodies to the midfield, the team seeks to win the ball back quickly and move it forward with directness to the strikers.

A. Fernandez stays between the posts to organize the back line. The defense operates with a back three composed of Kongolo, Dragovic, and the captain Denswil (C). Denswil (C) acts as the leader of this unit, providing cover and organizing the line. Dragovic brings aerial strength to the right side of the trio, while Kongolo covers the left. This three man unit can shift to a low block when defending or step up to squeeze the space between the lines during a press.

The midfield is a crowded engine room built around a double pivot of Ward-Prowse and Hughes. Ward-Prowse uses his renowned set piece delivery and passing range to dictate the tempo from deep. Hughes works to shield the defense and intercept passes before they reach the final third. Ahead of them, Shea, Williams, and Eghan occupy the central channels to connect the defense to the attack. These players push up to support the front line and drop back to protect the center when the team loses possession.

Bologna utilizes two forwards in a front two consisting of Bale and Arnautovic. Arnautovic acts as a focal point to hold up the ball and bring others into play, while Bale looks to run into space and exploit gaps behind the defense. The attack relies on these two to press the opposition center backs immediately upon losing the ball. This movement creates space for the central midfielders to make runs from deep into the penalty area.

This formation offers significant numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch, making it hard for opponents to play through the center. The presence of Ward-Prowse allows for quick switches of play to find wide areas. Additionally, the compactness of the three center backs and the five midfielders makes the team very difficult to break down once they settle into a defensive block.

Bologna is built to dominate the central zones and punish teams through direct attacking movements. This 3-5-2 formation is best suited for matches against opponents who struggle with high intensity pressing and central density.