Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

99 Costil (83 Mirante)
2 Davis (6 Congré)
20 Fazio (13 Toprak)
22 H. Moreno (23 Vlaar (vc))
21 Gonalons (77 Pekalski (vc))
16 McCarthy (7 Crisetig (vc))
2 Schmiedebach (15 Coleman)
14 Tosic (35 Djuric)
59 Ryazantsev (19 Skolnik)
17 Gomis (18 Jara)
9 Dzeko (C) (11 Sigþorsson)

Roma prefers to sit deep and absorb pressure to launch direct transitions using a 5-4-1 formation. This lineup aims to congest the middle of the pitch and force opponents into wide areas where they can be contained. The team plays a reactive style of football that relies on defensive discipline and a single focal point to lead the line.

The defensive unit relies on 99 Costil to command the area from his goal. In front of him, a back five provides heavy coverage with Fazio, McCarthy, and Gonalons occupying the central positions. Fazio provides aerial strength and experience in the middle of the pack, while McCarthy and Gonalons work to cover the space around him. On the flanks, Davis and H. Moreno act as wing backs who must track back to support the center while looking to push forward when the ball is won.

A compact midfield bank of four works to block passing lanes and protect the back line. Ryazantsev and Schmiedebach occupy the central roles to hold the position and shield the defenders. Tosic plays as a left central midfielder to help control the tempo, while Gomis operates as an attacking midfielder to link the middle to the front. This midfield unit must shift together to close down space and ensure the opponent cannot play through the center.

The attacking burden falls heavily on the captain, Dzeko, who acts as a lone striker. Dzeko uses his hold up the ball ability and physical presence to fight against two central defenders. He looks to receive long passes and bring others into play. When the team wins the ball, the wing backs Davis and H. Moreno push high to provide width, allowing Gomis to find pockets of space behind the opposition midfield.

Roma gains a tactical advantage through their extreme compactness when defending a low block. This makes it very difficult for opponents to find gaps between the lines. Another strength is the ability to create wide overloads when Davis and H. Moreno join the attack, forcing the opposition to defend the entire flank. The team also benefits from the aerial strength of Dzeko and Fazio during set pieces and long ball situations.

This 5-4-1 formation is designed to be a defensive wall that waits for the right moment to strike. It is most effective against teams that dominate possession and struggle to break down a deep and crowded defensive unit.