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Atalanta Football Formation

Creation DateJanuary 16, 2026

Starting Lineup

CARNESECCHI · RASPADORI · DE KETELARE · ZALEWSKI · ZAPPACOSTA · DE ROON · EDERSON · BERNASCONI · SCALVINI · DIJMSITI · AHANOR

High intensity pressing and rapid verticality define Atalanta in a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to hunt the ball in the opposition half and strike quickly once possession is regained. The goal is to suffocate the opponent and create chaos through constant movement and heavy pressure.

Carnesecchi acts as the last line of defense, starting the build up from the back. A back three consisting of Djimsiti, Ahanor, and Scalvini provides a solid base. Djimsiti provides leadership and strength in the air, while Scalvini acts as a ball playing defender who can step up into midfield. Ahanor covers the space between the center backs and the wide players. The wing backs, Zappacosta and Bernasconi, must cover the entire flank, pushing high to provide width while tracking back to maintain the defensive block.

A central double pivot controls the middle of the pitch. De Roon sits deeper to shield the defense and intercept passes, acting as the anchor. Ederson plays a more driving role, using his engine to press aggressively and carry the ball forward through the lines. These two connect the defensive unit to the attack, ensuring the team can transition from a defensive block to a high press without losing control of the center.

The attacking front three focuses on stretching the opposition. Raspadori operates as the lone striker, holding up the ball and making runs into the channels to create space. Zalewski and De Ketelare occupy the wide areas as wingers, looking to cut inside and threaten the goal. This trio is tasked with pressing the opponent's defenders, forcing mistakes and keeping the ball deep in the attacking third.

One major advantage for Atalanta is the ability to create wide overloads when Zappacosta and Bernasconi overlap their respective wingers. The team also gains numerical superiority in the middle when Ederson and De Roon step up to squeeze the space. This makes it difficult for opponents to play through the center, forcing them to play long or into crowded areas where the defenders can intercept.

This 3-4-3 formation is a high risk, high reward system built for aggressive, man marking football. It is best suited for matches where the team wants to dominate the tempo and overwhelm opponents through sheer physical work rate.