Bologna Football Formation

Starting Lineup

LUKASZ (SKORUPSKI) · EMIL (HOLM) · ARTHUR (THEATE) · TORBJORN (HEGGEM) · JUAN (MIRANDA) · TOMMASO (POBEGA) · LEWIS (FERGUSON) · JENS (ODGAARD) · RICCARDO (ORSOLINI) · SAMUEL (MBANGULA) · ARTEM (DOVBYK)

Bologna prioritizes a high press and verticality in a 4-3-3. This formation is built to win the ball back high up the pitch and immediately threaten the opposition goal through rapid transitions. The team looks to stretch the defence by using wide attackers to create space for central runners.

LUKASZ operates between the posts to command his area. The back four functions as a zonal line where EMIL acts as an attacking full back to provide width on the right. On the left, JUAN plays as an overlapping full back to support the flank. In the center, TORBJORN and ARTHUR form a sturdy pair, with ARTHUR often tasked to cover space and TORBJORN to win the header during defensive set pieces. The unit works to squeeze the space between the lines to prevent opponents from playing through them.

The midfield works as a three-man midfield with a carrier to move the team forward. LEWIS sits in the middle to shield the defence and recycle possession when needed. Beside him, TOMMASO acts as an inverted eight, driving forward with the ball to break the line. JENS operates as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to find pockets of space between the opposition midfield and defence. This trio connects the defensive unit to the attack by playing through the thirds with quick, direct passing.

Bologna utilizes three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. ARTEM acts as a pressing centre-forward to force a long ball from the opposition. On the wings, SAMUEL and RICCARDO act as inverted wingers who cut inside to shoot or lay it off to teammates. These wide players pull wide to stretch the defence before making runs in behind. The combination of SAMUEL and RICCARDO allows for quick one-two plays to bypass the full backs and deliver early crosses into the box.

This lineup offers significant speed of transition when the ball is won. By having JENS push high, Bologna creates a numerical superiority in the final third during attacking phases. The ability to press in pairs in the attacking third makes it difficult for opponents to build play from the back. The team can also shift quickly to a mid-block if the initial press is bypassed.

This 4-3-3 is designed for a high intensity game where winning the ball high is the main priority. Bologna will find success against teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure.