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) · 9 CASTROVINCI 09 (DX) · 11 PONTINI 04 (DX) · 8 BIONDO 91 (DX) · 3 CONTI 01 (DX) · 7 NOTO 07 (DX)

A high press and quick transition game defines this lineup, which utilizes a 5-2-3 formation. This team looks to win the ball high up the pitch and strike rapidly before the opponent can settle. The system relies on heavy verticality and wide attacks to stretch the opposition.

Paterniti starts in goal to organize the defensive unit. The team employs a back five consisting of Barez acting as the central anchor while Sacca' and Bontempo operate as wide centre-backs to cover the channels. Noto and Conti act as attacking wing backs, tasked with providing width and tracking back to form a solid defensive line when out of possession. Barez stays deep to command the area and win headers, while Sacca' and Bontempo shift to cover the space behind the wing backs.

In the middle of the pitch, a double pivot of Biondo and Scolaro manages the transition. Scolaro works to shield the back five and breaks up play, while Biondo looks to carry the ball forward and connect the defense to the attacking trio. This two-man midfield must be disciplined to prevent being bypassed in the central zone. They work to press in a mid-block and recycle possession to the wing backs or the front three when the opposition tries to build from the back.

The attacking unit operates with three players across the front. Castrovinci leads the line as a pressing centre-forward, looking to pin the last defender and find space between the lines. Pontini and Lucarelli act as wide attackers, with Pontini pushing high on the left and Lucarelli cutting inside from the right to create central presence. This front three works to press the opposition back line in pairs, creating chances for runs in behind or allowing the wing backs to overlap.

The formation offers significant strength through wide overloads when Conti and Noto push high to support the wingers. This creates numerical superiority in the final third and forces the opposition to defend deep. Another advantage is the compactness when defending in a low block, as the five defenders and two midfielders can squeeze the space in the middle.

This 5-2-3 formation is built for teams that want to exploit space on the counter. It is best suited for games against opponents who play a high line and leave gaps behind their defense.