Udinese Football Formation

Starting Lineup

L.Jovanović · K.Davis · U.Gómez · J.Ekkelenkamp · J.David Arizala · L.Miller · J.Karlström · M.Palma · J.Abankwah · A.Zanoli · M.Okoye

Udinese favors a direct and vertical style of play using a 5-3-2 formation. This lineup is built to absorb pressure and use the space left behind opposition defenders when moving from a defensive block into a quick transition. The team looks to sit deep and wait for the right moment to hit in behind the defensive line.

M.Okoye stays between the posts to organize the back line. The defensive unit functions as a back five, utilizing a narrow defensive block to protect the central areas. J.Abankwah and J.Karlström act as the central defenders, where Karlström provides aerial strength and Abankwah focuses on covering the space. J.David Arizala plays as the left center back to help manage the left side of the central zone. A.Zanoli operates as an attacking wing back on the right, while M.Palma acts as an attacking wing back on the left to provide width.

The midfield relies on a three-man midfield with a carrier and an attacking ten. U.Gómez plays in the advanced role as an attacking ten behind the strikers to link the lines. L.Miller and J.Ekkelenkamp operate in the central areas to win the second ball and protect the defense. L.Miller helps to carry the ball forward, while J.Ekkelenkamp works to intercept passes and recycle possession. This midfield group works to squeeze the space when the team wins the ball back in the middle third.

Udinese utilizes two forwards in a partnership to lead the line. K.Davis and L.Jovanović operate as a strike duo, often looking to run in behind the defense. K.Davis works as a pressing centre-forward to force long balls, while L.Jovanović looks to hold up the ball and lay it off to oncoming runners. The team relies on the movement of A.Zanoli and M.Palma to provide width and create cutbacks from the byline. This attacking setup forces the opposition to defend deeply to avoid being caught on the break.

One major advantage for Udinese is the ability to sit in a compact shape and deny the turn to opposition attackers. The formation also allows for wide overloads when A.Zanoli and M.Palma push high up the pitch. This setup creates many opportunities to counter at pace once the ball is recovered in the middle of the park.

This 5-3-2 formation is designed to be defensively solid and lethal on the break. It is best suited for games against teams that dominate possession and leave large gaps in behind their defensive line.