Napoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

VANJA (MILINKOVIC-SAVIC) · GIOVANNI (DI LORENZO) · BENOÎT (BADIASHILE) · SAM (BEUKEMA) · MATHÍAS (OLIVERA) · FRANK (ANGUISSA) · SCOTT (McTOMINAY) · KEVIN (DE BRUYNE) · MATTEO (POLITANO) · NOA (LANG) · RASMUS (HOJLUND)

Napoli aims to control the tempo through high pressing and quick verticality using a 4-3-3. This lineup works to squeeze the space in the opponent's half and force mistakes to break quickly in transition. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and use the wide areas to stretch the defence.

Vanja stays between the posts to command the area and act as the first point of distribution. A flat back four forms the base of the defensive unit with Giovanni acting as an attacking full back on the right side to provide width. On the left, Mathías is tasked to push up and overlap. In the center, Sam and Benoît maintain a high line to keep the team compact, with Sam acting as a covering defender while Benoît looks to intercept passes and play out from the back.

The midfield operates as a three man midfield with a carrier. Scott works to shield the defence and win the second ball to allow the others to push forward. Frank acts as the connector who links the defence and attack by receiving the ball and moving it into the half spaces. Kevin plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to arrive late into the box and find pockets of space between the lines. This trio ensures Napoli can transition from a mid-block to an aggressive press.

Napoli utilizes three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. Rasmus acts as a pressing centre-forward to disrupt the build up from the opposition. On the wings, Noa and Matteo act as inverted wingers who cut inside to create space for the full backs. Matteo looks to get to the byline and deliver early crosses, while Noa tries to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. This combination of wide presence and central movement creates constant threat.

One major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, with the front three and Kevin triggering the press. The team also benefits from wide overloads when Giovanni and Matteo double up on the flank. This creates numerical superiority in specific zones to help Napoli dominate possession or exploit gaps during a counter at pace.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on high intensity and rapid transitions to overwhelm the opponent. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.