Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Svilar (Gollini) · Mancini · Ndicka (Ziolkowsky) · Hermoso (Ghilardi) · Konè (Pisilli) · El Aynaoui (Cristante) · x · Soulè/Pellegrini (Dybala) · Angelinho · Wesley (Celik/Rensch) · Malen (Dovbyk/Vaz)

Roma focuses on winning the ball back high up the pitch and using rapid transitions with a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to control space in the middle while using wide areas to stretch the opposition. The team looks to play direct when they win possession to exploit the gaps left by an advancing opponent.

Svilar operates between the posts as the last line of defense. The defensive unit sits in a back five that can shift to cover wide areas effectively. Mancini leads the center of the defense, acting as a dominant presence in the air to win the second ball. Ndicka plays as the left center back to cover space and intercept passes, while Hermoso acts as the right center back to help play out from the back. Wesley plays as a right wing back to provide width and track back when needed, whereas Angelinho occupies the left wing back position to push high and cross.

The midfield operates as a double pivot designed to control the center of the pitch. Konè acts as a carrier who can drive forward with the ball to break the line, while El Aynaoui works to protect the center and recycle possession. This duo connects the defensive unit to the front three, with Konè often pressing aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch. They must manage the space between the lines to ensure the back five is not left exposed during transitions.

Roma utilizes three attackers to pin the last defender. Malen acts as the striker, working to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. Soulè operates on the right wing, looking to cut inside and create chances, while Pellegrini can occupy the right flank or move into central areas to link play. The left winger provides width to stretch the defence and create space for Malen to operate. This front line presses from the front to force a long ball from the opposition.

One major advantage for Roma is the ability to create wide overloads from the attacking wing backs, Wesley and Angelinho, who push high to support the wingers. The formation also offers compactness when defending, making it difficult for opponents to play through the lines. This allows the team to shift quickly between a deep block and a high press.

This 5-2-3 formation provides a solid platform for counter attacking football. It is best suited for matches against teams that commit many players forward and leave space behind their midfield.