Cagliari Football Formation

Starting Lineup

ALEN (SHERRI) · GIUSEPPE (AURELIO) · RIYAD (IDRISSI) · ZÉ (PEDRO) · RAPHAEL (KOFLER) · ALESSANDRO (ROMANO) · ALESSANDRO (DEIOLA) · YANIS (MASSOLIN) · MATTIA (FELICI) · ALIEU (FADERA) · KEVIN (CARLOS)

Cagliari focuses on a high press and quick transitions, utilizing a 4-3-3 formation to stretch the opposition. This lineup is built to win the ball high up the pitch and hit in behind on the transition to catch the opponent out of position. The team aims to control the tempo through aggressive pressing and verticality.

Alen operates between the posts as the goalkeeper. The back line functions as a flat back four, where Giuseppe acts as the right back to provide width and support the attack. On the left, Riyad plays as the left back, while Raphael and Zé form the central defensive pairing. Raphael and Zé are tasked to hold the line and defend zonally, with Zé often looking to win the second ball when the team presses high. The defensive unit works to squeeze the space and prevent the opposition from playing through the thirds.

The midfield is a three-man midfield with a carrier and creative elements. Alessandro on the left and Alessandro on the right occupy the central roles, tasked to press in a mid-block and cover the spaces left by the advancing full backs. Yanis plays as an attacking ten behind the striker, looking to receive on the half-turn and play through the lines. The two Alessandros work to connect the defensive and attacking lines, either by dropping to receive from the centre-backs or by driving forward to support the attack.

Cagliari employs three attackers across the front to pin the last defender. Kevin acts as a pressing centre-forward, looking to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for the runners. On the wings, Mattia and Alieu function as wide wingers who hug the touchline to stretch the defence. Mattia and Alieu are ready to cut inside or receive the ball to deliver early crosses. This attacking trio works to trigger a press from the front, forcing a long ball from the opposition to regain possession.

A major advantage of this formation is the ability to press high in coordinated waves, led by Kevin and Yanis. The presence of Mattia and Alieu provides wide overloads when Giuseppe and Riyad overlap the winger. This creates many opportunities to exploit the flanks and hit the opposition in behind. Cagliari can also find numerical superiority in the middle when the Alessandros and Yanis combine to control the central zones.

This 4-3-3 formation relies on intense pressing and rapid attacking movements. It is best suited for games against teams that struggle to play out from the back or leave space behind their defensive line.