Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

FEDERICO (RAVAGLIA) · EIVIND (HELLAND) · MARTIN (VITÍK) · LORENZO (DE SILVESTRI) · JUAN (MIRANDA) · TOMMASO (POBEGA) · SIMON (SOHM) · JENS (ODGAARD) · NICOLÓ (CAMBIAGHI) · FEDERICO (BERNARDESCHI) · THIJS (DALLINGA)

High pressing and verticality define how Bologna operates in their 4-3-3 formation. This lineup focuses on winning the ball back quickly and driving directly toward the opponent goal. The team seeks to control the tempo through heavy pressure in the final third, making them a threat in transition.

Federico stands between the posts to organize the defensive unit. The back line operates as a flat four, with Lorenzo and Juan providing width as full backs. Eivind and Martin occupy the central defensive roles, where they must step up to intercept passes and cover the space behind the midfield. Lorenzo and Juan can push high to provide width, while Eivind and Martin maintain a compact block to prevent through balls.

The midfield trio controls the center of the pitch. Simon and Tommaso act as the engine, with Simon sitting deeper to shield the defense while Tommaso works to drive forward and connect the lines. Jens operates in the attacking midfield role, looking to find pockets of space between the opponent lines. This midfield grouping works to press the ball aggressively and ensure the team can switch play quickly to the wide areas.

In the final third, Bologna utilizes three attackers to stretch the opposition. Thijs acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and lead the press from the front. On the flanks, Federico and Nicoló operate as wide players, with Nicoló often looking to cut inside to create goal scoring opportunities. This attacking structure relies on the movements of the front three to pull defenders out of position and create gaps for Jens to exploit.

Bologna gains a significant advantage through their ability to press high in coordinated waves. By forcing turnovers in advanced areas, the team can quickly overload the box with Thijs and the oncoming midfielders. The formation also allows for wide overloads when Lorenzo and Juan push forward to support Federico and Nicoló, creating situations where the wingers can isolate defenders in one on one battles.

This 4-3-3 formation creates a highly aggressive identity built on winning the ball high up the pitch. It is best suited for games against opponents who struggle to play out from the back under intense pressure.