Roma Football Formation
Starting Lineup
PIERLUIGI (GOLLINI) · LEONARDO (BALERDI) · KONSTANTINOS (KOULIERAKIS) · DANIELE (GHILARDI) · EMANUELE (LULLI) · ANASS (SALAH-EDDINE) · MARTEN (DE ROON) · NICOLÒ (PISILLI) · LORENZO (PELLEGRINI) · MATÍAS (SOULÉ) · SANTIAGO (CASTRO)Roma focuses on a direct and vertical style of play using a 3-5-2 formation. This lineup aims to control the central areas while using wide players to stretch the opposition. The goal is to win the ball high up the pitch and use quick transitions to catch the defense out of position.
PIERLUIGI stays between the posts to command the area. In front of him, the back three of DANIELE, KONSTANTINOS, and LEONARDO forms a compact defensive unit. DANIELE and LEONARDO act as the wide centre-backs to cover the spaces left by the wing backs, while KONSTANTINOS holds the line in the middle. The unit can shift to a mid-block to deny the turn or squeeze the space when the opposition tries to play out from the back.
The midfield functions with a heavy central presence led by LORENZO playing as an attacking ten. MARTEN and NICOLÒ operate as a double pivot to shield the defense and recycle possession. MARTEN often looks to drive forward with the ball, while NICOLÒ works to intercept passes and connect the defensive and attacking lines. ANASS and EMANUELE act as the wide midfielders, providing the width necessary to stretch the defense and supporting the three centre-backs when tracking back.
Roma employs a two-man strike partnership consisting of MATÍAS and SANTIAGO. SANTIAGO operates as a pressing centre-forward to trigger a press from the front, while MATÍAS looks to find the feet of the striker or make runs in behind. The attack relies on combinations in tight spaces and the ability of LORENZO to play through the lines. The wide players, ANASS and EMANUELE, often overlap to deliver crosses or cut back the ball into the box.
This formation provides several tactical advantages for Roma. The three centre-backs offer great compactness when defending deep, making it hard for opponents to find gaps. Having a double pivot with MARTEN and NICOLÒ creates numerical superiority in midfield, allowing the team to control the tempo. Additionally, the presence of LORENZO behind the two forwards allows the team to isolate wide players in one on one situations once the midfield is bypassed.
The 3-5-2 formation relies on a strong central core to dominate games. It is best suited for facing teams that play with a narrow midfield or those that struggle to handle quick transitions.