Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

Dimarco · Kayode · Bastoni · Califiori · Scalvini · Donaruma · Barella · Tonali · Chiesa · Pio · Fratessi (Fagioli)

Italy aims to control the middle of the pitch and win the ball back high up the pitch using a 3-6-1 formation. This lineup relies on a high press and rapid transitions to unsettle the opposition. The team wants to dominate the ball through a crowded midfield and use the half spaces to create chances. By building play through central areas, Italy looks to overwhelm opponents in the final third.

Donarumma operates as the last line of defense, often sweeping behind a high line to cover any long balls sent forward. The back three consists of Bastoni, Califiori, and Scalvini. Bastoni acts as a ball playing defender to start attacks, while Califiori and Scalvini provide coverage and defensive solidity. This unit works together to squeeze the space and maintain a high line when the team presses.

The midfield is a dense block designed to overwhelm the center. A three-man midfield with a carrier and two central players provides the foundation. Tonali and Barella occupy the central spaces, with Barella known for his high energy and ability to press, and Tonali shielding the defense while driving forward with the ball. Fratessi joins them to provide more presence in the middle, helping to connect the defensive and attacking lines. Dimarco and Kayode occupy the wide areas, with Dimarco acting as an attacking wing back to provide width and overlap the midfield.

In the final third, Chiesa plays as an advanced midfielder playing as a shadow striker, operating in the hole behind the main forward. This allows Chiesa to make late runs into the box and find space between the lines. Pio acts as a lone striker, tasked to hold up the ball and pin the last defender to create room for others. The team uses combinations to break the line, with Dimarco and Kayode providing crosses from wide positions while Chiesa and the midfielders look to arrive late into the box.

This formation offers massive numerical superiority in midfield, making it very difficult for opponents to play through the center. The ability to press high in coordinated waves allows Italy to win it back high up the pitch and launch quick attacks. Wide overloads are created when Dimarco pushes forward, forcing the opposition to defend against constant crosses and cutbacks.

Italy uses this 3-6-1 formation to suffocate opponents in the middle of the park. This setup is best suited for games against teams that try to play short from the back and struggle with high intensity pressing.