Empoli Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1.MANISCALCO182 DX 2008
2. ROSSI DX 180
13.SOLL.SX 180/LAROSX 07
6.BRUGALETTA DX 180
5.CIPOLLA DX 183
8.LEDESMA DX 178
4.MIRAG.178DX/DIROM.182SX
11. TEN LOPEZ 182 DX
10.OSVALDO 177 SX
14.CRUZ 185 DX
7.CASUCCI/SACCO DX 178

Empoli focuses on high intensity and direct attacking play through a 4-2-4. This formation is built to stretch the opposition and use verticality to catch teams out of position. The goal for Empoli is to use the width of the pitch to create scoring chances and maintain pressure in the final third.

MANISCALCO182 DX guards the goal in this lineup. The defensive unit works in a flat back four. ROSSI DX operates as the right back, while SOLL.SX 180/LAROSX holds the left side. CIPOLLA DX and BRUGALETTA DX act as the two central defenders. The back line must hold a high line to support the heavy press. These defenders are tasked to step up and intercept passes to prevent long balls from bypassing the midfield.

The midfield is a double pivot intended to provide a layer of protection for the defense. LEDESMA DX sits in the center to shield the back four and recycle possession. MIRAG.178DX/DIROM.182SX works alongside him to connect the defensive and attacking lines. This pair must win the second ball and drive the team forward through the middle. When the team loses the ball, the double pivot must quickly shift to close gaps and deny the turn of the opposition midfielders.

Empoli employs four attackers to overwhelm the opposition. OSVALDO 177 SX and TEN LOPEZ 182 DX operate as a strike partnership, with the two forwards looking to find the feet of each other or run in behind. CRUZ 185 DX and CASUCCI/SACCO DX play as wide wingers. CRUZ 185 DX stays wide to stretch the defense, while CASUCCI/SACCO DX looks to cut inside. These attackers press from the front to force a long ball and win it back high up the pitch.

This formation offers significant attacking weight and the ability to press in coordinated waves. By using four forwards, Empoli creates wide overloads and can quickly hit in behind on the transition. The double pivot provides a base to expand the pitch, allowing the wingers to isolate defenders in one on one situations. This setup forces the opponent to drop deep to avoid being split by through balls.

The 4-2-4 is an aggressive formation built for teams that want to dominate through high pressing and rapid transitions. It is best suited for games against opponents who struggle to play out from the back or defend large spaces behind their midfield.