Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Svilar (GOLLINI) · Mancini · Ndicka (ZIOLKOWSKI) · Hermoso (GHILARDI) · Konè (Pisilli) · EL AYNAOUI (Cristante) · RASPADORI/ElShaarawi (BAILEY) · Soulè/Dybala (Pellegrini) · WESLEY/TSIMIKAS (Angelinho) · Celik (Rensch) · ZIRKZEE/Dovbyk (FERGUSON)

Roma focuses on verticality and quick transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to soak up pressure and hit opponents with rapid movement once the ball is recovered. The team looks to use the width of the pitch to stretch the opposition and create space for central runners.

Svilar acts as the last line of defense in goal. The back line uses a three man base consisting of Mancini, Ndicka, and Hermoso. Mancini serves as the central anchor, using his aerial strength and ability to read the game to command the area. Ndicka and Hermoso provide coverage on either side, while Celik and either Wesley or Tsimikas operate as wing backs. These wide defenders push high to provide width and cross the ball into the box, while the central three drop deep to form a compact low block when defending.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Konè and El Aynaoui work together to shield the defense and break up play. Konè uses his physicality to win duels, while El Aynaoui looks to intercept passes and move the ball forward. This duo connects the deep defensive line to the attacking trio by making short passes and driving through the middle. Their job is to hold the center so the wing backs can push up without leaving the middle exposed.

In the attacking third, Roma utilizes three forwards to stress the opponent. Zirkzee or Dovbyk leads the line as a lone striker to hold up the ball and occupy the defenders. On the flanks, Soulè or Dybala provides creativity and dribbling on the right, while Raspadori or ElShaarawi looks to cut inside from the left. These attackers press high to force mistakes and make runs behind the defensive line to exploit space during transitions.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads when the wing backs overlap the wingers. Another strength is the defensive compactness, as the five defenders and two midfielders make it very hard for opponents to pass through the middle. Roma can also use the speed of transition to catch teams out of position, moving from a deep block to a full attack in seconds.

This 5-2-3 formation is designed for a team that wants to be defensively solid while remaining dangerous on the break. It is best suited for matches against possession heavy sides that leave space behind their high defensive line.