Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK) · Federico Dimarco (LB) · Riccardo Calafiori (CB) · Giorgio Scalvini (CB) · Marco Palestra (RB) · Manuel Locatelli (DM) · Sandro Tonali (LCM/DM) · Guido Della Rovere (RCM/AM) · Nicolò Cambiaghi (LW) · Federico Chiesa (RW) · Pio Esposito (CF)

Italy plays with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup relies on a heavy high press and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard. The team looks to control games through directness and verticality, using the width provided by the wing backs to stretch the opposition defense.

Gianluigi Donnarumma acts as the last line of defense, utilizing his massive frame and shot stopping abilities to protect the goal. The back line consists of a central trio of Manuel Locatelli, Riccardo Calafiori, and Giorgio Scalvini. Calafiori and Scalvini step up to intercept passes, while Locatelli provides cover. Federico Dimarco operates as a left wing back, looking to overlap and cross from deep, while Marco Palestra pushes high on the right side to provide width.

The midfield functions as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Sandro Tonali and Guido Della Rovere work to shield the back three and break the lines with their passing. Tonali uses his ball winning ability and energy to drive forward, while Della Rovere connects the defense to the attack. This duo must work hard to track back when the team loses possession to prevent counter attacks.

In the attacking phase, Italy uses three forwards to pressure the opposition. Pio Esposito acts as the lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and run the channels. Nicolò Cambiaghi and Federico Chiesa operate as wide attackers, looking to cut inside and create goal scoring chances. Chiesa uses his dribbling and directness to beat defenders, while Cambiaghi seeks space to move between the lines.

This formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to create wide overloads. When Dimarco and Calafiori push forward, they force the opponent to defend large areas of the pitch. The team can also press high in coordinated waves, using the three forwards and the double pivot to suffocate the opponent in their own half. This creates many opportunities to win the ball back near the opposition goal.

The 5-2-3 formation is a heavy pressing lineup built for aggressive attacking. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.