Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

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

Roma relies on a strong defensive base and quick transitions to catch opponents off guard, utilizing a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a style that prioritizes defensive solidity before hitting teams in transition. The team aims to stay compact and then move the ball forward rapidly once the ball is won in the middle of the pitch.

Svilar stays between the posts to manage the defensive unit. The back five consists of Mancini as the central figure, with Hermoso and Ndicka acting as the wide centre-backs to provide cover. Mancini must hold the line and win the header during set pieces. Angelinho and Wesley act as the attacking wing backs, pushing high to provide width and whip it in from the flanks. This defensive unit works to stay narrow and force the opposition wide to limit central passing lanes.

The midfield works as a double pivot with El Aynaoui and Konè. These two players must shield the defence and compete for the second ball. El Aynaoui helps to recycle possession and connect the defensive and attacking lines, while Konè is tasked to carry the ball forward to drive the team up the pitch. By pressing in a mid-block, they aim to interrupt the opposition and win it back in central areas.

Up front, the team uses three attackers to stretch the opponent. Malen plays as the lone striker to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. On the wings, X stays wide on the left, while Soulè / Pellegrini occupies the right side to cut inside and create chances. The movement of these players is designed to create runs in behind and allow for cutbacks from the byline. They look to use the width to isolate one on one situations against defenders.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to defend in a compact low block. The movement from Angelinho and Wesley creates wide overloads to help the team progress through the thirds. Additionally, the presence of three forwards allows Roma to press high in coordinated waves to win it back high up the pitch.

The 5-2-3 lineup provides a strong balance between defending deep and attacking with speed. This is best suited for matches against teams that play with high defensive lines.