Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

21 Gameiro (13 Derdiyok)
17 Bale (9 Arnautovic)
16 Aranguiz (10 Crofts)
11 Jesé (19 Barkley)
7 Templeton (vc) (22 Marshall)
20 Bryzgalov (23 N. Welbeck)
8 Mahlangu (14 Ward-Prowse (vc))
4 Denswil (C) (18 Kongolo)
3 Milosevic (vc) (26 Lazic)
12 Moore (5 Carrieri (vc))
1 Brkic (30 Benaglio)

Bologna looks to play a low block and rely on quick transitions using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before looking to hit opponents on the break. The primary goal is to stay compact and hard to break down in the defensive third.

Brkic sits between the posts to command his area. The back line consists of a back three made up of Milosevic, Bryzgalov, and Mahlangu. Denswil, who serves as captain, operates as the left wing back to provide width and defensive cover on that side. Moore plays on the right as a wing back to track runners and push forward when the team wins the ball. Milosevic and Bryzgalov act as the central pillars to win aerial duels and clear crosses, while Mahlangu provides support in the defensive zone.

The midfield works in a flat four to block passing lanes. Aranguiz works to hold the center and protect the defense. Jesé and Templeton operate on the left and right sides of the central bank to mark opponents and intercept passes. Templeton also serves as a vice captain to help organize the group. Bale pushes higher as an attacking midfielder to connect the midfield to the attack. This unit must shift side to side to maintain a tight block and prevent the opposition from playing through the middle.

In the attacking phase, the team relies on a lone striker, Gameiro, to hold up the ball and bring others into play. The attack is built through long passes or quick transitions from the midfield. Bale tries to find gaps between the opposition lines to support the forward. The wing backs, Moore and Denswil, must provide the width to stretch the opponent once Bologna transitions into the attacking half.

Bologna gains an advantage from their extreme compactness when defending in a low block. This formation makes it very difficult for opponents to find space between the lines. The team can also use the speed of transition to catch a high defensive line off guard. By having Moore and Denswil push up during attacks, they create numerical superiority in wide areas to help the midfielders move the ball forward.

This 5-4-1 formation is a defensive tool designed to frustrate teams that dominate possession. It is best suited for matches against superior attacking sides where sitting deep and hitting on the counter is the most effective way to secure a result.