Fiorentina Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 De Gea (12 Adan)
6 Smalling (16 M. Fernandes)
2 Jorgensen (vc) (19 Milosevic)
13 Fejsa (40 Revert)
4 Rojo (3 Biraghi (vc))
20 Xhaka (15 Mendy)
10 Carraro (21 Ranocchia)
5 Bonaventura (C) (18 Hiljemark)
29 Boniperti (14 Fred)
9 Remy (99 Bakayogo)
17 Diallo (11 Depay)

Fiorentina focuses on a compact defensive presence and rapid transitions through a 5-2-3. This formation is built to sit deep when out of possession and use the wide areas to launch attacks quickly. The lineup relies on defensive solidity to absorb pressure before looking to break the lines with direct passing.

De Gea guards the goal and organizes the back five from deep. The defensive line consists of a central trio with Xhaka acting as the anchor, supported by Fejsa and Jorgensen who provides leadership as vice captain. Xhaka uses his passing range to start attacks from the back while Fejsa and Jorgensen cover the space behind the wing backs. Rojo and Smalling operate as wing backs, tasked with pushing high up the pitch to provide width or tracking back to form a flat five when defending.

The midfield works as a double pivot to control the central zone. Bonaventura, the captain, dictates the tempo and connects the defense to the attack with his ability to find space between lines. Carraro works alongside him to shield the center and press opponents in the middle third. This pair must hold their positions to prevent the opposition from playing through the heart of the pitch, ensuring the team stays compact.

In the attacking third, the team utilizes three forwards to stretch the opposition. Remy acts as the lone striker to hold up the ball and fight for aerial duels. Boniperti and Diallo operate as wide attackers, with Boniperti cutting inside from the right and Diallo looking to beat his man on the left. This front three is designed to press high when the ball is lost, forcing errors in the opponent's half.

One major advantage for Fiorentina is the ability to create wide overloads when Rojo and Smalling overlap with the wingers. The team also finds success through its defensive compactness, making it difficult for opponents to find gaps in the middle. This setup allows for a quick transition where the ball moves from Xhaka through the midfield to the attackers in seconds.

This formation is a defensive powerhouse that excels at absorbing pressure and striking on the break. It is best suited for matches against teams that dominate possession and leave space behind their high defensive line.