Bologna Football Formation
Starting Lineup
DISSABO · DIANA · GREGORI · DE NOVELLIS · IVAN · BRESSAN · MARCHIOLI · BALLERINO · GIOVANINNI · ANUT · THOMASA high pressing identity defines Bologna in this 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back quickly in the opponent half to create immediate scoring chances. By committing players forward, the team aims to control the tempo through aggressive ball recovery and quick vertical passing.
DISSABO acts as the last line of defense behind a sturdy back three. BALLERINO occupies the left side of the central defense, while GIOVANINNI holds the middle position. THOMAS operates as the right central defender. This unit works together to maintain a high line, with the defenders ready to step up and intercept passes or drop back to cover space. The three defenders must remain compact to prevent opponents from playing through the middle.
The midfield functions as a five man block designed to dominate the center of the pitch. BRESSAN and IVAN operate in the central roles, acting as the engine to drive play forward and connect the defense to the attack. ANUT handles the left central role, providing stability and helping to shield the back three. On the flanks, GREGORI and DE NOVELLIS occupy the wide midfield positions, providing the necessary width to stretch the opposition.
Bologna employs two strikers to lead the line and apply constant pressure on the opposing defenders. MARCHIOLI and DIANA work in tandem to harass the backline and occupy the central channels. MARCHIOLI plays as the left striker, while DIANA acts as the right striker. This duo is responsible for holding up the ball and making runs into the channels to break the line, creating space for the oncoming midfielders to join the attack.
This formation offers several tactical advantages, such as the ability to press high in coordinated waves with the midfielders and forwards. The presence of GREGORI and DE NOVELLIS allows for wide overloads when they push up to support the attack. Furthermore, the central density created by IVAN, BRESSAN, and ANUT makes it difficult for opponents to find space between the lines. This compact setup helps Bologna transition from defense to attack with great speed.
The 3-5-2 formation provides a balanced way to control the middle of the park while maintaining attacking threat. It is a lineup best suited for facing teams that play with a back four and struggle to deal with central overload.