Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Donnarumma · Bastoni · Calafiori · Mancini · Di Lorenzo · Dimarco · Tonali · Locatelli · Barella · Retegui · Raspadori

Focusing on a high press and quick transitions defines the identity of Italy, which utilizes a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup is built to dominate the central areas and use wing backs to provide width during the attack. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and move it forward rapidly to catch the opposition out of position.

Donnarumma acts as the last line of defense, utilizing his massive frame and shot-stopping ability to protect the goal. The back three consists of Bastoni, Calafiori, and Mancini, who often step up to compress the space between the lines. Mancini provides physical presence and aerial strength, while Bastoni acts as a ball playing defender to initiate play from the back. Calafiori covers the left side of the defensive unit, ensuring the team stays compact when the opposition tries to exploit the flanks.

The midfield works through a combination of roles to control the tempo of the game. Locatelli and Tonali form a double pivot to shield the defense and break up play with smart interceptions. Barella operates as the attacking midfielder, driving forward to link the middle third to the front line with his high work rate and passing range. On the flanks, Dimarco and Di Lorenzo occupy the wide areas, acting as wing backs who must track back to help the defense while also pushing high to support the attack.

In the final third, Italy employs two forwards to stretch the opposition. Retegui plays as the lone striker to lead the press and hold up the ball, allowing Raspadori to play as a second striker who can cut inside and find space between the lines. The movement of these two attackers forces the opposing defenders to stay deep, creating pockets of space for Barella and the wing backs to exploit. The attack relies on quick combination play and direct runs to penetrate the defensive block.

A major strength of this formation is the ability to create wide overloads, as Dimarco and Di Lorenzo can overlap the midfielders to overwhelm the opponent. The midfield group also offers compactness when defending, making it difficult for teams to play through the center. By using a central trio of Locatelli, Tonali, and Barella, Italy can maintain numerical superiority in the middle of the pitch to win second balls and control possession.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on intense pressing and tactical discipline to disrupt the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to manage wide players or those that leave space behind their midfield.