Bologna Football Formation
Starting Lineup
31 Trapp (1 Riou)2 Evans (4 Basanta)
25 Marcano (18 Marcelo)
3 Pejcinovic (13 El Kaoutari)
17 Medel (C) (28 Abu)
36 Johnson (19 Barkley)
21 Nuno Coelho (20 Matuschyk)
8 Mahlangu (59 Hernandez)
15 Morrison (23 Stieber)
33 Dagoberto (7 Templeton (vc))
24 Long (9 Szalai)
Bologna looks to play a direct and aggressive style of football using a 3-3-4 formation. This lineup aims to overwhelm opponents in the final third by pushing numbers high up the pitch. The team focuses on verticality and quick transitions to catch the opposition out of position. By flooding the attacking zones, Bologna intends to keep the ball in the opponent half and maintain constant pressure.
In the defensive unit, Trapp acts as the last line of defense in goal. A back three consisting of Marcano, Evans, and Pejcinovic provides the foundation of the defensive block. Marcano stays central to command the area, while Evans and Pejcinovic cover the wide channels of the three man line. These defenders must step up to intercept passes and remain disciplined when the team loses possession. The unit is built to defend against central runs and handle long balls through physical presence.
The midfield operates with a single pivot that connects the defense to the attack. Medel, the captain, sits in front of the back three to shield the defense and break up play. He uses his experience to intercept passes and dictate the tempo from a deep position. To his sides, Nuno Coelho and Johnson work to drive the ball forward and bridge the gap between the lines. This midfield trio must work hard to track back and cover ground when the team is stretched.
The attacking front line is heavy with four players designed to harass the opposition defense. Dagoberto and Long act as two central forwards to pin the opposing center backs. On the flanks, Morrison and Mahlangu act as wide wingers to provide width and stretch the play. Morrison and Mahlangu often look to cut inside or deliver crosses into the box. These four forwards press in coordinated waves to force mistakes high up the pitch.
This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to create high pressing scenarios through the four attackers. By placing Dagoberto and Long centrally, the team can win second balls and maintain pressure in the box. The presence of Morrison and Mahlangu allows the team to pin the opposition full backs deep. Furthermore, the midfield trio can shift quickly to support the defense during periods of sustained pressure.
Bologna utilizes this aggressive lineup to dominate the attacking half and force errors. This formation is best suited for matches where the team needs to chase a goal or face a low block opponent.