5-3-2 formation
The 5-3-2 is a defensive formation with five defenders, three central midfielders and two strikers. It is built to be hard to beat, and to hit opponents quickly on the counter-attack.
How the 5-3-2 works
Three centre-backs sit in the middle with a wing-back on each side, so the team can defend the whole width of the pitch with five players. The three midfielders stay compact in front of them and block passes through the centre.
When the ball is won, the two strikers give an immediate outlet. The wing-backs can join the attack and turn the shape into a 3-5-2, but in a true 5-3-2 at least one of them usually stays back.
Strengths
- Very solid defensively, with five defenders and three midfielders protecting the goal.
- Hard to beat with crosses, with three centre-backs in the box.
- Two strikers are always ready for a counter-attack.
- A good choice to protect a lead or to play against a stronger team.
Weaknesses
- Can be too passive and invite pressure for long periods.
- Few players get forward, so chances can be rare.
- If the wing-backs stay back, the strikers are isolated.
- Usually gives up control of the ball to the opponent.
Player roles in the 5-3-2
Goalkeeper
Commands the box, since the team often defends deep.
Back three
Strong in the air, with the middle centre-back organising the line.
Wing-backs
Defend first, then carry the ball forward on the counter.
Central midfield
Three hard-working midfielders who protect the defense and win second balls.
Strikers
Hold the ball up and run into space on the break.
Famous teams that used the 5-3-2
Inter Milan under Helenio Herrera
La Grande Inter played catenaccio, with a sweeper behind the defense, and won the European Cup in 1964 and 1965.
Greece at Euro 2004
Otto Rehhagel's defensive side, built on a sweeper and man-markers, won the European Championship as outsiders.
Wales at Euro 2016
Chris Coleman's team reached the semi-finals with three centre-backs, wing-backs and Gareth Bale up front.
Example lineup: Italy legends XI
A back five worthy of catenaccio: Buffon behind Cannavaro, Baresi and Nesta, with Maldini and Zambrotta as wing-backs and Baggio up front.
- ST Roberto Baggio
- ST Christian Vieri
- CM Gennaro Gattuso
- CM Francesco Totti
- CM Andrea Pirlo
- LWB Paolo Maldini
- RWB Gianluca Zambrotta
- CB Fabio Cannavaro
- CB Alessandro Nesta
- CB Franco Baresi
- GK Gianluigi Buffon
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