Atalanta Football Formation

Starting Lineup

MARCO (SPORTIELLO) · GIORGIO (SCALVINI) · HONEST (AHANOR) · SEAD (KOLASINAC) · RAOUL (BELLANOVA) · LORENZO (BERNASCONI) · MARTEN (DE ROON) · YUNUS (MUSAH) · LAZAR (SAMARDZIC) · KAMALDEEN (SULEMANA) · NIKOLA (KRSTOVIC)

A high pressing identity defines Atalanta and their 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to dominate the pitch by squeezing opponents in their own half and winning the ball back quickly. The tactical intent is to play a direct and aggressive game that forces turnovers high up the field to create immediate scoring chances.

Marco sits between the posts to organize the back line. A back three consisting of Sead, Giorgio, and Honest provides a solid foundation. Sead and Honest act as wide center backs who can step up into midfield to intercept passes or cover the space left by the wing backs. Giorgio sits central to provide aerial strength and command the area during defensive transitions. This unit works together to maintain a high line and squeeze the space between the defense and the midfield.

The midfield operates with a heavy presence to control the center of the pitch. Lazar occupies the attacking midfield role to link the play and drive the ball forward into dangerous areas. Marten and Yunus sit deeper to provide a shield for the defense, helping to break the line of the opposition press. Lorenzo and Raoul function as wing backs, providing width and tracking back to support the central defenders when the team loses possession. This group connects the defensive block to the attacking front line through quick passing and constant movement.

Atalanta utilizes two strikers to pin the opposition defenders back. Nikola and Kamaldeen operate as a pair, with one often dropping slightly deeper to hold up the ball while the other makes runs behind the defense. The movement of Nikola and Kamaldeen creates space for Lazar to arrive late in the box. The wing backs, Lorenzo and Raoul, push high to provide width, which forces the opposing back line to stretch and creates gaps in the central channels.

Several tactical advantages stem from this formation. The team creates wide overloads when Lorenzo and Raoul overlap with the midfielders to overwhelm the flanks. There is a high level of compactness when defending, as the players shift together to block passing lanes. The presence of Marten and Yunus allows the team to press high in coordinated waves, making it difficult for opponents to build play from the back.

This 3-5-2 formation relies on intense physical output and aggressive ball recovery. It is best suited for matches against teams that struggle to play out from a high press or teams that leave large spaces behind their midfield.