Roma Football Formation

Starting Lineup

Svilar (Gollini) · Ndicka (Ghilardi) · Mancini (KOULIERAKIS) · Hermoso (BALERDI) · Konè (Pisilli) · Cristante (DE ROON) · LEWELING (MORA / Pellegrini) · Dybala (Soulè) · Wesley (X) · MOLINA (Rensch / Lulli) · Malen (CASTRO)

Roma plays with a high press and direct intent using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup focuses on squeezing the space in the opponent's half and looking to break quickly once the ball is recovered. The tactical goal is to use the wide areas to stretch the opposition while keeping a solid block behind to stop counter attacks.

Svilar stays between the posts to organize the defense. The back line consists of a back three made up of Hermoso, Mancini, and Ndicka. Hermoso plays as the right center back to help build from the back, while Mancini acts as the left center back with his aerial strength and physical presence. Ndicka sits in the middle to cover the space behind his teammates. Wesley operates as the left wing back to provide width, and MOLINA pushes up as the right wing back to overlap. The defensive unit works together to stay compact and win the second ball.

The midfield operates as a double pivot consisting of Cristante and Konè. Cristante acts as the engine to shield the defense and break up play, while Konè works to carry the ball forward and connect the defensive line to the attackers. They must work hard to compress the midfield and deny the turn to any attacking midfielders. This pair is responsible for recycling possession and ensuring the team does not get bypassed in the center.

In the final third, Roma utilizes three attackers across the front. Malen acts as the pressing centre forward to lead the line and run into the space behind the defense. LEWELING plays on the left as an inverted winger to cut inside and create chances, while Dybala operates on the right to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines. These forwards press from the front to force a long ball from the opposition. The movement of Wesley and MOLINA is designed to create overlaps and deliver crosses into the box.

Roma finds success through the ability to press high in coordinated waves and use the speed of transition. The wide overloads created by the wing backs allow the team to pin the last defender and create one on one situations for Dybala or LEWELING. This formation also provides compactness when defending deep.

This 5-2-3 formation relies on high intensity to win the ball back high up the pitch. It is best suited for matches against teams that play with a high line and can be caught on the break.