Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

G. Donnarumma (c) (1) · A. Buongiorno (4) · A. Bastoni (21) · G. Di Lorenzo (22) · M. Locatelli (5) · N. Barella (26) · S. Tonali (8) · M. Kean (11) · M. Retegui (9) · M. Politano (7) · F. Dimarco (3)

A high pressing and vertical style defines Italy and their 3-5-2 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back quickly in the opponent's half to launch direct attacks. By maintaining a compact block, the team seeks to control the central areas of the pitch while using wide players to stretch the opposition.

Gianluigi Donnarumma (c) acts as the foundation in goal, providing massive presence and shot-stopping ability. A back three provides a solid base with Alessandro Bastoni acting as a ball playing defender who can step up into midfield. Alongside him, Buongiorno and Giovanni Di Lorenzo form a sturdy central unit, with Di Lorenzo often stepping up to cover wide areas. The defensive unit works to stay connected, dropping back or pushing up to maintain a tight line.

The midfield functions as a central engine room to control the tempo. Marco Locatelli sits in front of the defense to shield the back three and intercept passes. Nicolo Barella drives the team forward with his high pressing intensity and ability to break lines with vertical runs. Sandro Tonali connects the play, helping to switch play and move the ball from deep positions. This group works to dominate the middle and prevent opponents from playing through the center.

In the final third, Italy relies on two forwards to lead the line. Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean operate as a strike duo, with Retegui often looking to hold up the ball and Kean making runs into the channels. Federico Dimarco provides significant width from the left, often overlapping to deliver crosses into the box. On the right, Matteo Politano pushes forward to create chances and cut inside to find shooting positions.

One major advantage of this formation is the numerical superiority in the center of the pitch, which allows the team to suffocate opponents. The ability of Dimarco to push high creates wide overloads that force opposing wingers to track back. Additionally, the presence of three central defenders allows the team to remain compact when defending a lead or to step up and press in coordinated waves.

This 3-5-2 lineup offers a balanced blend of defensive security and attacking width. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle with high pressure and central congestion.