Roma formation – the basics, the lineups and the roles you need to know
If you’re looking at a Serie A match and wonder why Roma lines up the way it does, you’re in the right place. The Giallorossi have a few go‑to formations that they switch up depending on the opponent, the score line and the players available. Below we break down the most common setups, the key positions in each, and what you can expect when you watch a Roma game.
Four‑three‑three: the default attack
Most of the time you’ll see Roma start with a 4‑3‑3. The back four stays compact – two centre‑backs, full‑backs who can get forward, and a sweeper‑type keeper who can play out from the back. In midfield the trio works as a triangle: a defensive midfielder protects the defence, while two more advanced players link up with the front three. The front line usually has a centre‑forward who holds up the ball, flanked by two wingers that cut inside or stretch the defence wide.
Why this works for Roma is simple. Their midfielders are comfortable on the ball and can switch play quickly, while the wingers give space for the full‑backs to overlap. Think of past seasons when the likes of Lorenzo Pellegrini sat just behind a striker such as Tammy Abraham – that balance lets Roma dominate possession and create chances from the wings.
Three‑five‑two: when the game gets tight
If the match is close or Roma needs more defensive cover, the coach often shifts to a 3‑5‑2. This means three centre‑backs, two wing‑backs, three central midfielders and a pair of forwards. The wing‑backs become the width engine, shuffling up and down the flank while the three centre‑backs stay solid against counter‑attacks.
The two strikers usually consist of a target man and a more mobile forward. The target man can hold the ball up, lay it off to the midfielders, or knock it down for the second striker to run onto. This formation is handy when Roma faces a team that presses high – the extra centre‑back gives a safety net while the midfield five can press in blocks.
Recent games have shown how flexible this set‑up can be. When a key defender was out, Roma slipped a U‑21 prospect into the back three and still kept a compact shape, allowing the midfield to dictate tempo.
Overall, Roma’s formation choices boil down to three things: player availability, opponent style, and the need for balance between attack and defence. Whether you see a 4‑3‑3 or a 3‑5‑2, the underlying idea is the same – keep the ball, move it quickly, and make the most of the space created on the wings.
Next time you watch a Roma match, try to spot the formation early and notice how the players shift when the game changes. That simple awareness will give you a much deeper feel for the team’s tactics and why certain players are positioned where they are.
Roma's 3-4-2-1 Lineup for Derby della Capitale vs Lazio
Roma are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 shape for the Derby della Capitale against Lazio. Goalkeeper Mile Svilar starts behind a three‑man back line of Hermoso, Mancini and N'Dicka. Wing‑backs Rensch and Angeliño provide width, while central midfielders Koné and Cristante aim to control the game. Attack will flow through Soulé, El Shaarawy and striker Evan Ferguson. The setup balances defensive prudence with creative spark.
