Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 BARBAGALLO 02 (DX)
7 LO GIUDICE 94 (DX/AMBI)
9 LEONARDI 02 (DX 178)
11 CATANIA 02 (170 DX)
4 DIOUF 97 (192 DX)
8 KAMGA (DX 173)
10 D'AMICO 89 (180 DX/AMBI)
3 GOZZO 05 (SX 177)
5 ULMA 88 (181 SX)
6 LLAMA 97 (185 DX)
2 NICOLOSI 06 (182 DX)

A high press and rapid transition game defines this lineup, which operates in a 5-2-3 formation. The team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and use the width of the field to stretch the opposition. This system is built to play direct, vertical football that exploits space behind the opposing defensive line once the ball is recovered.

BARBAGALLO sits between the posts to organize the back five. The defensive unit operates as a narrow defensive block with three central defenders, D'AMICO, ULMA, and LLAMA, holding the line. D'AMICO acts as the central anchor while LLAMA and ULMA cover the channels. On the flanks, NICOLOSI and GOZZO act as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and tracking back to defend the wide areas. This setup allows the three center backs to stay compact and defend zonally when the team sits deep.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to provide stability. DIOUF and KAMGA occupy the central spaces to protect the defensive line and recycle possession. DIOUF works to shield the defense and break the line with forward passes, while KAMGA drives forward with the ball to connect the midfield to the attack. Their main job is to win the second ball and immediately look to find the forwards in advanced positions.

The front line is composed of three attackers working in tandem. LEONARDI acts as the central striker, often playing as a pressing centre-forward to force the opposition into mistakes. On the wings, LO GIUDICE and CATANIA operate as wide wingers who hug the touchline to provide maximum width. This movement creates space in the middle for LEONARDI to find himself in one on one situations. The attackers press from the front in coordinated waves to trigger a press higher up the pitch.

One major advantage is the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of NICOLOSI and GOZZO. The formation also offers great compactness when defending, making it difficult for opponents to play through the middle. By using the three center backs and the double pivot, the team can squeeze the space in the central zones effectively.

This formation is built for teams that want to punish opponents on the transition through speed and width. It is best suited for matches against opponents who play with a high defensive line and leave space behind their defenders.