Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

12 Mccarthy (36 Gerken)
3 Milosevic (28 Omeruo)
33 Kongolo (6 Masi)
4 Denswil (vc) (5 Mensah)
21 Hughes (10 Lingard)
31 Dzemaili (C) (13 Karacan)
24 Ward-Prowse (vc) (14 Zuculini)
9 Arnautovic (52 Matej)
26 Ameobi (15 Mcglinchey)
19 Dicko (18 Bahebeck)
22 Ings (11 Brown)

Bologna looks to control the tempo and use a high press through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup focuses on verticality and quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. The team aims to dominate much of the ball and use wide areas to create chances for the forwards.

Mccarthy stays between the posts to manage the back line. A back three consists of Kongolo, Milosevic, and Denswil, who serves as the vice captain. Denswil and Milosevic cover the wider channels while Kongolo holds the center. This unit can sit deep in a low block or step up to compress the space between the lines. The defenders must stay compact to ensure they are not caught out by long balls.

The midfield operates with a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Dzemaili, the captain, sits in the right position to shield the defense and break up play. He works alongside Ward-Prowse, who acts as the vice captain and provides long range passing and set piece delivery. These two connect the defense to the attacking midfielders, Ameobi and Arnautovic. Ameobi and Arnautovic push higher up the pitch to drive the ball into the final third.

Bologna utilizes three attackers to stretch the opposition defense. Ings acts as a lone striker to hold up the ball and lead the press. He is supported by Dicko on the left and Hughes on the right. Dicko and Hughes act as wide attackers who often cut inside to find space. This movement allows the team to create numbers in central areas and provides options for crosses coming from the wide midfielders.

One major advantage for Bologna is the ability to use numerical superiority in the middle of the park when the wide attackers drift inward. The team can also create wide overloads by having the wide midfielders push forward to support the wingers. Another strength is the passing range of Ward-Prowse, which allows the team to switch play quickly and bypass a heavy press.

This 3-4-3 formation is built for a team that wants to press high and strike quickly on the break. It works best against opponents who leave large gaps behind their midfield.