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Palermo Football Formation

Creation DateNovember 13, 2025

Starting Lineup

Pohjanpalo · Orban · Gyasi · Joronen · Bani · Idzes · Luperto · Ekkelenkamp · Payero · Augello · Oristanio

Palermo relies on a heavy pressing system and quick vertical transitions through a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to control the middle of the pitch and use width to stretch opposing back lines. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately move it forward to the strikers.

Joronen stays between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line consists of a three man defense where Bani acts as the central anchor. Luperto sits on the right side of the three to cover ground, while Idzes operates on the left side to provide stability. These defenders must step up to intercept passes and maintain a high line to keep the team compact.

The midfield uses a central trio supported by an attacking midfielder to dominate the ball. Payero and Ekkelenkamp sit in the middle to shield the defense and break the lines with their passing. Oristanio plays as the attacking ten, looking to find pockets of space to create chances. Gyasi and Augello act as wide midfielders, providing the necessary width by pushing up the flanks to support the attack.

The attack utilizes two strikers to pin back the opposition defense. Pohjanpalo and Orban work together to occupy the center forwards of the opposing team. Pohjanpalo is known for his aerial strength and ability to hold up the ball, while Orban looks to make runs in behind. They press the opposition defenders constantly to force mistakes and create quick scoring opportunities.

One major strength of Palermo is the ability to create wide overloads through the runs of Gyasi and Augello. When these wide players overlap, they force the opposition wingers to track back deep into their own half. The formation also offers numerical superiority in the center of the pitch, allowing Payero, Ekkelenkamp, and Oristanio to control the tempo of the game.

This 3-5-2 formation provides a heavy presence in the middle of the park to stifle opposition play. It is best suited for games where the team needs to dominate possession and press an opponent into errors.