Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
Svilar (Gollini) · Ndicka (Ghilardi) · Mancini (KOULIERAKIS) · Hermoso (BALERDI) · Konè (Pisilli) · Cristante (DE ROON) · MORA (Pellegrini) · Dybala (Soulè) · MOLINA (Rensch) · Wesley (Lulli) · Malen (CASTRO)Roma focus on a high press and rapid transitions using a 5-2-3 formation. This lineup aims to win the ball high up the pitch and strike quickly through the forward line. The team is built to squeeze the space in the opposition half and use the width of the pitch to stretch the defence.
Svilar acts as the last line of defence behind a narrow defensive block. The back five consists of Hermoso, Mancini, and Ndicka playing centrally, with Wesley and Molina acting as attacking wing backs on the flanks. Hermoso plays as a ball playing defender to help play out from the back, while Mancini and Ndicka stay close to protect the central area. Wesley and Molina are expected to push high to provide width, while the three central defenders hold the line and cover the space behind the wing backs.
The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the middle of the park. Cristante and Konè work to connect the defensive and attacking lines, with Cristante often dropping deep to shield the defence. Konè uses his physical presence to carry the ball forward and press aggressively to win the ball back in the center. This pair must remain compact to avoid being bypassed by the opposition, ensuring they can recycle possession or launch a quick break when the ball is recovered.
Roma attack with three players across the front line to create constant pressure. Malen acts as a pressing centre-forward who looks to run in behind the defence, while Dybala and Mora operate as inverted wingers. Dybala cuts inside to create chances or shoot, and Mora pulls wide to stretch the opposition. The formation is designed to create combinations in tight spaces, allowing Dybala to find the feet of the striker or play through the lines to Malen.
One major advantage for Roma is the ability to create wide overloads from the overlapping runs of Wesley and Molina. The narrowness of the central trio of Hermoso, Mancini, and Ndicka ensures compactness when defending, making it hard for opponents to play through the middle. Additionally, the team can use the speed of transition to catch opponents out of position once the midfield duo of Cristante and Konè wins the ball.
This 5-2-3 formation provides a strong balance between defensive solidity and attacking width. It is best suited for games against teams that play a high line and can be punished by quick transitions.