Italy National Football Team Formation

Starting Lineup

GASSO (12) · MIREGGI (10) · FADDA (16) · CESAREI (8 (C)) · MONTAPPONI (17) · LEONE (2) · RICCITELLI (3) · FRANCESCANGELI (23) · BALDONI (6) · G.SBORGIA (4) · D’ADDAZIO (1)

Italy relies on a high press and quick verticality when playing in a 3-4-3. This formation is built to squeeze the space in the opponent half and win it back high up the pitch to catch teams out of position. The goal is to use the wide players to stretch the defence and create chances through rapid transitions.

D’ADDAZIO stays between the posts to act as the last line of defence. The back three consists of G.SBORGIA, FRANCESCANGELI, and BALDONI. G.SBORGIA operates as the left centre-back while BALDONI holds the right side, leaving FRANCESCANGELI to command the middle of the defensive line. This unit can play out from the back to start attacks. They look to hold a high line to keep the distance between the defence and the midfield small, forcing the opposition to play long balls.

The midfield operates with a central pairing and two wide players to provide both control and width. CESAREI and MONTAPPONI form the central engine room to protect the back three and connect the lines. CESAREI works to shield the defence and intercept passes, while MONTAPPONI looks to carry the ball forward and progress through the thirds. RICCITELLI and LEONE act as the wide midfielders, providing the necessary width to spread the opposition. They must track back to support the defenders when Italy is out of possession but are also tasked to push up and support the front three.

In the final third, Italy uses three attackers to pin the last defender. GASSO acts as the lone striker, tasked to find the feet of the striker and hold up the ball for others. MIREGGI and FADDA operate as the wide attackers. MIREGGI cuts inside from the left to create central presence, while FADDA uses his position on the right to pull wide and look for crosses. This front line works to press the opposition back line immediately upon losing the ball, aiming to trigger a press that leads to scoring opportunities.

This 3-4-3 formation offers significant tactical advantages through its ability to press high in coordinated waves. The presence of CESAREI and MONTAPPONI allows Italy to maintain compactness in the middle of the pitch. Furthermore, the width provided by RICCITELLI and LEONE creates wide overloads that help isolate wide players in one on one situations during transitions.

Italy uses this lineup to dominate teams that struggle to play out from the back under pressure. The system is best suited for matches where winning the second ball and hitting in behind on the transition will punish a high defensive line.