Custom Team Football Formation

Starting Lineup

1 PATERNITI 89 (181 SX) · 6 BONTEMPO 89 (182 SX) · SACCA' 99 (DX) · 5 BAREZ 92 (181 DX) · 4 SCOLARO 94 (AMBIDX) · 10 LUCARELLI 94 (168 SX) · 17 TRAVIGLIA 94 (187 DX) · 11 PONTINI 04 (DX) · 8 DOVICO 08 (DX) · 3 CONTI 01 (DX) · 7 NOTO 07 (DX)

Prioritizing defensive solidity and quick transitions, this team operates with a 5-2-3 formation. The lineup is built to absorb pressure and exploit spaces left behind the opposition back line. This side aims to remain compact and hard to break down before hitting the opponent with direct attacks.

Paterniti acts as the last line of defense in goal. The defensive unit functions as a back five that can shift easily. Barez sits centrally as the main anchor, while Bontempo and Sacca' operate as wide centre-backs to cover the channels. The width is provided by the wing backs, with Conti acting as the right wing back and Noto occupying the left wing back role. Conti and Noto are tasked to push high up the pitch to provide width, while the three central defenders hold the line and defend zonally to prevent through balls.

The midfield relies on a double pivot to control the center of the pitch. Scolaro and Dovico work together to occupy the central zones. Scolaro sits deeper to shield the defense and win the second ball, while Dovico is able to carry the ball forward to link the defensive and attacking lines. This pair must work hard to press in a mid-block and prevent the opponent from playing through the lines. By maintaining a tight distance between the midfield and the back five, they help squeeze the space in front of the defense.

The attack uses three players across the front to stretch the opposition. Traviglia operates as a lone striker, acting as the focal point to hold up the ball and find the feet of others. On the flanks, Pontini and Lucarelli act as wide wingers who look to cut inside and create chances. Lucarelli and Pontini will often look to isolate defenders in one on one situations or deliver crosses into the box. When the team wins the ball high up the pitch, these three can immediately drive at the defense to catch them out of position.

This formation offers several tactical advantages. The presence of three central defenders allows for great compactness when defending deep. The team can create wide overloads through the movement of Conti and Noto when they overlap the wingers. Additionally, the ability to transition from a deep block to a three man attack provides a high speed of transition that can punish teams playing a high line.

This 5-2-3 lineup focuses on being a hard unit to penetrate while remaining dangerous on the break. It is best suited for games against possession based teams that leave space behind their defenders.