Torino Football Formation

Starting Lineup

9 Sow (11 Gomis)
10 Ljiajic (18 J. Montero)
7 Iturbe (23 Stevanovic)
22 Obi (8 Bamba)
6 Acquah (26 Camara)
20 Skjelbred (15 Kayal)
3 Santon (33 N'Koulou)
2 Kana-Biyik (25 Glik (C))
4 Dragovic (19 Milosevic)
5 Benedetti (vc) (32 Matip)
21 Hart (12 Trapp)

Torino looks to control the middle of the pitch through a high pressing and vertical system using a 2-5-3 formation. This lineup relies on heavy numbers in the center to win the ball back quickly and force the opposition into mistakes. The goal is to win the ball in advanced areas and move it forward immediately to the front three.

In the defensive phase, Hart sits between the posts to organize the line. The back line consists of a compact pair of central defenders with Dragovic and Kana-Biyik holding the position. These two must stay close together to prevent runners from slipping through the middle. When the team sits deep, they act as a block to protect the central zone, but they often step up to support the midfield when the team presses high.

The midfield is the engine of this Torino side, operating as a crowded five man unit. Benedetti, who serves as the vice captain, sits in the right defensive midfield spot to shield the two center backs. Santon sits alongside him in the left defensive midfield role to provide balance. Acquah occupies the central midfield position to connect the defense to the attack. Skjelbred operates on the right side of the midfield to push forward and join the attack, while Obi works on the left to drive the team forward through the half spaces.

The attacking front line uses three players to stretch the opposition defense. Sow operates as a lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. Iturbe stays wide on the right wing to provide width and deliver crosses, while Ljiajic stays wide on the left wing to cut inside and create chances. This three man front line aims to pin the opposition defenders back and create space for the midfield to run into.

One major advantage of this lineup is the numerical superiority in the central areas which allows the team to dominate possession in the middle third. The wide midfielders, Skjelbred and Obi, can create overloads by pushing up to support the wingers. This makes it difficult for opponents to track runners. Another strength is the ability to press in coordinated waves, using the front three and the five midfielders to trap the opponent in their own half.

This formation is built to dominate the center of the pitch through aggressive pressing and high numbers. It is best suited for games where the team can isolate the opponent in wide areas through rapid transitions.