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 GOZZO (SX)
10 CRISTALDI 02 (SX)
3 MANGIAMELI 03 (SX 177)
5 FERRINI 07
6 LLAMA 97 (185 DX)
2 NICOLOSI 06 (182 DX)

This team relies on a high press and quick transitions, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately push the attackers toward the goal. This setup focuses on verticality and using wide areas to stretch the opposition defense while maintaining a very strong central presence.

Barbagallo operates between the posts to command his area. The defensive unit uses a back three consisting of Diouf, Llama, and Ferrini. Diouf acts as the central anchor, while Llama and Ferrini provide cover and step up to intercept passes. The wide defenders, Nicolosi and Mangiameli, act as attacking wing backs. They push high to provide width and overlap the forwards, while they must track back quickly to form a five man line when the team loses possession.

The midfield consists of a double pivot with Gozzo and Cristaldi. These two players sit in front of the back three to shield the defense and deny the turn to opposition attackers. Gozzo drives forward with the ball to link the lines, while Cristaldi works to recycle possession and find the feet of the striker. They must press aggressively to win the ball in a mid-block and ensure they do not get bypassed by direct long balls.

In the final third, the team employs three attackers. Leonardi acts as a pressing centre-forward, working to pin the last defender and win the second ball. Lo Giudice and Catania act as wide wingers who hug the touchline to stretch the defense. This allows them to cut inside and find space between the lines or deliver crosses into the box. The movement of the front three is designed to create runs in behind and allow the wing backs to arrive late into the box.

The main strengths of this lineup are the ability to press high in coordinated waves and the wide overloads created by Nicolosi and Mangiameli. By pushing the wing backs forward, the team can isolate wide players in one on one situations. This configuration also offers great compactness when defending a deep block, as the five defenders and two midfielders can squeeze the space in the middle of the pitch.

This formation is built for a team that wants to dominate through intensity and rapid attacks. It is best suited for games against opponents who play a high line and can be caught on the transition.