Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Caprile (Butez/Provedel) (Cagliari) · Gosens (Martin) (Fiorentina) · Solet (Rrahmani) (Udinese) · Akanji (Tomori) (Inter) · Miranda (Angelino) (Bologna) · Hojlund (E. Ferguson) (Napoli) · S. Castro (Dia) (Bologna) · Krstovic (Morata) (Atalanta) · Zaccagni (Isaksen) (Lazio) · Mandragora (Gudmundsson - Sucic) (Fiorentina) · Pasalic (Rowe - Thorstvedt) (Atalanta)

A high press and aggressive verticality define this team, which operates in a 4-3-3 formation. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and use quick transitions to punish the opposition. This lineup is built to stretch the defence and create many chances through rapid movement in the final third.

Caprile acts as the last line of defence in goal. The back four functions as a zonal line where Akanji and Solet hold the center. Akanji provides strength in the air and covers the space behind the full backs, while Solet works to intercept passes and clear the lines. Gosens acts as an attacking wing back, frequently pushing high to provide width, whereas Miranda plays as a more balanced left back to help the midfield. The defensive unit works together to squeeze the space and prevent opponents from playing through the lines.

The midfield features a three-man midfield with a carrier to link the play. Mandragora plays as the single pivot to shield the defence and recycle possession when needed. Zaccagni and Pasalic operate as the two interior players, with Pasalic looking to press aggressively to win the ball high and Zaccagni looking to carry the ball forward into the half spaces. This trio connects the defensive and attacking lines by making sure the team stays compact when defending and spreads wide when in possession.

Up front, the team uses three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. Hojlund acts as a pressing centre-forward who works to win the second ball and find the feet of his teammates. On the wings, Krstovic and S. Castro provide the width, with Krstovic staying wide to cross and S. Castro looking to cut inside to create chaos. The forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition, allowing the midfield and defence to step up and regain control.

This formation offers specific tactical advantages through wide overloads from the overlapping runs of Gosens. The team can also achieve high compactness when defending a low block, making it hard for opponents to find space between the lines. By using the speed of transition, the team can hit in behind on the transition before the opposition can settle.

The tactical identity relies on high intensity and quick vertical play. This formation is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from the back under heavy pressure.