São Paulo Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- Rafael
3- Tuta*
22- D. Duarte
4- Morato*
32- Pedro Lima
29- P. Maia
8- Marcos A.
30- R. Rotondi_*
11- David Neres*
10- A. Luna_*
9- J. Calleri

São Paulo focuses on high intensity and heavy pressing through a 3-4-3 formation. This lineup is built to play a vertical game that looks to win the ball back high up the pitch and quickly attack the opposition. By spreading the width across the pitch, the team creates lanes to move the ball through the thirds.

Rafael starts in goal and oversees a back three. Tuta acts as the right centre-back with strong aerial strength to defend set pieces. Morato sits on the left side of the central trio to provide cover, while D. Duarte operates as the central defender to hold the line. The defensive unit works together to squeeze the space and force long balls from the opponent.

The midfield functions as a four man unit that connects the defense to the attack. P. Maia and Marcos A. occupy the central roles to control the tempo and protect the back three. They work to win the second ball and recycle possession to keep the pressure on. Pedro Lima and R. Rotondi play as wide midfielders who are tasked to provide width and track back to help the defenders.

Up front, São Paulo utilizes a front three to stretch the defense. J. Calleri acts as the lone striker and uses his strength to hold up the ball and find the feet of his teammates. David Neres plays as a winger on the right and looks to cut inside to create chances. A. Luna occupies the left wing to provide more width, and the forwards work together to press the opposition back line from the front.

This formation offers significant advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The wide midfielders, Pedro Lima and R. Rotondi, allow the team to create wide overloads when they push forward. This setup also provides compactness when defending a lead, as the midfield and back three can sit deep to deny the turn to attackers.

The 3-4-3 formation makes São Paulo a dangerous side when looking to dominate through aggressive pressing. It is best suited for matches where the team can exploit space behind a high defensive line.