Atalanta
Atalanta under Gasperini (2019-2023, adapted)
Chapter 01 — Overview
The 3-2-3-2
A modern tactical system featuring layered midfield structure with a double pivot behind a trio of advanced midfielders and two strikers. The three advanced midfielders operate across the width of the pitch — one wide left, one central, one wide right — creating numerical superiority in the zones where the ball is played. The double pivot protects the back three while also initiating transitions.
Best for: Teams that want to dominate the middle and attacking thirds with numbers while relying on a solid back three and double pivot.
The 3-2-3-2 is categorized as a modern formation. Its core philosophy revolves around fluid positional rotations and modern tactical innovations that blur traditional role boundaries.
Chapter 02 — Build-up
Building from the back
Attack ↑
Short build-up — patient ball progression through the thirds.
In the short build-up, the defenders spread to create passing angles while the midfield drops to offer options. The 3-2-3-2 aims to progress the ball through the centre of the pitch, using the key positions (CDM, LM, CAM) as relay stations.
The direct build-up bypasses midfield entirely, targeting the forwards with long passes. This is effective against a high press or when the opposition is compact centrally.
Chapter 03 — Attacking shape
In the final third
Attack ↑
Attacking shape — width and penetration.
Strengths in attack: Three attacking midfielders create overloads across the width of the pitch Double pivot provides defensive stability behind the attacking structure Two strikers maintain a constant goal threat with varied movement
The 3-2-3-2 creates attacking opportunities through its structural advantages. The key is how the CAM, ST, ST interact in the final third.
Chapter 04 — Defensive shape
Out of possession
Attack ↑
Defensive block — compact, slide as a unit.
Weaknesses to manage: Wide centre-backs in the back three must cover extensive lateral ground Gap between the double pivot and attacking midfield three can be exploited
When defending, the 3-2-3-2 compresses into a more compact shape. Players must maintain their positional discipline and slide across the pitch as a unit to deny space between the lines.
Chapter 05 — Per position
What to coach each role
Click any position to spotlight that player on the pitch above.
01
GK
Goalkeeper
The GK in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
02
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
03
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
04
CB
Defender
The CB in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
05
CDM
Midfielder
The CDM in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
06
CDM
Midfielder
The CDM in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
07
LM
Midfielder
The LM in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
08
CAM
Midfielder
The CAM in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
09
RM
Midfielder
The RM in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
10
ST
Forward
The ST in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
11
ST
Forward
The ST in the 3-2-3-2 has specific responsibilities in both phases of play. In possession, this player contributes to the team's build-up and attacking patterns. Out of possession, positional discipline and awareness are essential.
Fix first
Losing positional discipline. Cue: maintain spacing with nearby teammates.
Chapter 06 — Strengths & weaknesses
What it gives, what it costs
Strengths
- Three attacking midfielders create overloads across the width of the pitch. Three attacking midfielders create overloads across the width of the pitch
- Double pivot provides defensive stability behind the attacking structure. Double pivot provides defensive stability behind the attacking structure
- Two strikers maintain a constant goal threat with varied movement. Two strikers maintain a constant goal threat with varied movement
Weaknesses
- Wide centre-backs in the back three must cover extensive lateral ground. Wide centre-backs in the back three must cover extensive lateral ground
- Gap between the double pivot and attacking midfield three can be exploited. Gap between the double pivot and attacking midfield three can be exploited
Chapter 07 — Famous teams
Teams that used this shape
Red Bull Salzburg
Red Bull Salzburg under various coaches (high-pressing variant)
Fiorentina
Fiorentina under Italiano (2021-2024)
Chapter 08 — FAQ
Quick answers
What is the 3-2-3-2 formation?
A modern tactical system featuring layered midfield structure with a double pivot behind a trio of advanced midfielders and two strikers. The three advanced midfielders operate across the width of the pitch — one wide left, one central, one wide right — creating numerical superiority in the zones where the ball is played. The double pivot protects the back three while also initiating transitions.
What are the strengths of the 3-2-3-2?
Three attacking midfielders create overloads across the width of the pitch Double pivot provides defensive stability behind the attacking structure Two strikers maintain a constant goal threat with varied movement
What are the weaknesses of the 3-2-3-2?
Wide centre-backs in the back three must cover extensive lateral ground Gap between the double pivot and attacking midfield three can be exploited
Who should use the 3-2-3-2?
Teams that want to dominate the middle and attacking thirds with numbers while relying on a solid back three and double pivot.