Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Dimarco · Scalvini · Bastoni · Di Lorenzo · Retegui · Chiesa · Raspadori · Barella · Tonali · Donnarumma · Locatelli

Italy uses a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a direct and vertical style of football that relies on quick transitions. The team looks to sit deep when they do not have the ball and then move forward with pace once they win possession.

Donnarumma acts as the last line of defense, using his large frame and quick reflexes to protect the goal. The back line works as a back three with Locatelli sitting centrally to provide cover. Bastoni operates as a ball playing defender with a long passing range, while Scalvini provides aerial strength and covers the space behind the wide players. Di Lorenzo and Dimarco play as wing backs, pushing high up the pitch to provide width and many crosses. This defensive unit functions as a solid block that can shift together to deny space between the lines.

The midfield operates as a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Barella and Tonali work together to cover large areas of ground. Barella uses his pressing intensity and ability to drive forward to break the line, while Tonali works to shield the defense and connect the back three to the attackers. This duo must track back quickly to prevent counter attacks and ensure the team remains compact when the opponent has the ball.

In the attacking phase, Italy uses three attackers to stretch the opposition. Retegui works as a lone striker to hold up the ball and fight for second balls. Raspadori and Chiesa act as wide attackers, with Chiesa looking to cut inside and use his dribbling style to create chances. These players press high to force mistakes and create quick opportunities in the final third.

One tactical advantage is the ability to create wide overloads when Di Lorenzo and Dimarco overlap into the attacking positions. The team also benefits from high pressing in coordinated waves when the front three and the midfield duo work together to trap the opponent. This formation creates many one on one situations for the wingers in transition.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for a team that wants to be hard to beat while remaining dangerous on the break. It is best suited for matches against opponents who dominate possession but struggle with quick, vertical movements.