Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta Case Study

[Adonalsium]

This tactic produces some really interesting football. Just finished a 3-5 loss against Juventus (First season, we got 3-1 ahead and then Juventus just kicked up a gear and scored three worldies against us and were just unstoppable) and enjoying this system so far. Earlier in the season I already beat Chelsea 2-1 and Leverkusen 3-2. If anything I would say this tactic is a little light in midfield, in that opposing teams midfielders often end up unmarked. I wish there was a way to make one of my center-backs to step up into midfield and mark them, this is what I would do if this was real, but alas not possible in match engine.

[crusadertsar]

Just now, Adonalsium said:

This tactic produces some really interesting football. Just finished a 3-5 loss against Juventus (First season, we got 3-1 ahead and then Juventus just kicked up a gear and scored three worldies against us and were just unstoppable) and enjoying this system so far. Earlier in the season I already beat Chelsea 2-1 and Leverkusen 3-2. If anything I would say this tactic is a little light in midfield, in that opposing teams midfielders often end up unmarked. I wish there was a way to make one of my center-backs to step up into midfield and mark them, this is what I would do if this was real, but alas not possible in match engine.

Cant you just ask the middle CB to play as Libero on attack, he will be very advanced in possession, almost like a DLP and then retreat back between the other CBs when out of possession. You need a very special player to fill that role however.

[dekzeh]

1 hour ago, crusadertsar said:

Cant you just ask the middle CB to play as Libero on attack, he will be very advanced in possession, almost like a DLP and then retreat back between the other CBs when out of possession. You need a very special player to fill that role however.

Then it wouldn't be a Gasperini recreation anymore, would it? Cause he does the opposite of that, with the wide CBs sitting very wide and having permission to push forward, offering an option to recycle possession on the flanks when the wingbacks get forward. There's no way of doing that in FM, the closest you can do is BPD-St set to stay wider and Dribble More, but that still doesn't make them push forward when not dribbling, and even when defending the Stoppers don't push forward to mark someone before they receive the ball, only push to tackle once they do have it.

The main thing on my wishlist for FM21 is a complete overhaul on CBs roles and possible instructions, we are just way too limited in what we can do with them unfortunately, and it's very outdated compared to what we have seen in real life in recent years. 

[Experienced Defender]

2 hours ago, craiigman said:

What’s the purpose of having “look for under lap” on wing backs where there is no one to under lap?

The OP will tell you his exact reason, but I would logically assume he uses the instruction as a way of increasing the wing-back's individual mentality. 

[Djuicer]

3 hours ago, craiigman said:

What’s the purpose of having “look for under lap” on wing backs where there is no one to under lap?

@SixPointer

Im not @SixPointer but it does alter the mentality of the wide players.

[crusadertsar]

3 hours ago, dekzeh said:

Then it wouldn't be a Gasperini recreation anymore, would it? Cause he does the opposite of that, with the wide CBs sitting very wide and having permission to push forward, offering an option to recycle possession on the flanks when the wingbacks get forward. There's no way of doing that in FM, the closest you can do is BPD-St set to stay wider and Dribble More, but that still doesn't make them push forward when not dribbling, and even when defending the Stoppers don't push forward to mark someone before they receive the ball, only push to tackle once they do have it.

The main thing on my wishlist for FM21 is a complete overhaul on CBs roles and possible instructions, we are just way too limited in what we can do with them unfortunately, and it's very outdated compared to what we have seen in real life in recent years. 

Yeah agreed. Basically Gasperini's Atalanta is not recreatable in FM20. Not faithfully at least. The CBs won't ever push past the midfield line.

[crusadertsar]

2 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

The OP will tell you his exact reason, but I would logically assume he uses the instruction as a way of increasing the wing-back's individual mentality. 

Don't you mean decreasing their mentality? Last time I checked it was the overlap instruction was the one that increased wingback mentality. I think underlap is supposed to increase the mentality of the central midfielders running past the wingbacks who will hold the ball for them

[SixPointer]

22 hours ago, 32MJ32 said:

As well as being an amazing read about a club and system I am fond of (who isn't?), this has been a real FM lesson for me on what it actually means to create space in a dangerous way.

I am an Inter fan and I've had several goes at trying to get the Lukaku-Martinez partnership firing - but I've struggled to do so. They both have great physical and mental profiles, so getting them to fly around the pitch while still threatening on goal has been the aim. What I've found is I end up pulling one too deep or having both sit on top of each other (and hoping that the intricate movement around the box will free one up, which I don't believe this year's ME wants a lot to do with). 

Your setup has shown how to space two well-rounded F's and have them take up menacing positions, pulling defenders with them, and allowing whichever one picks up the ball to do something with it. Unreal.

 

Delighted it’s helped give you some insightful ideas. Thinking of the team as whole will also help your partnership blossom 

[Adonalsium]

5 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

Don't you mean decreasing their mentality? Last time I checked it was the overlap instruction was the one that increased wingback mentality. I think underlap is supposed to increase the mentality of the central midfielders running past the wingbacks who will hold the ball for them

As far as I understand, it makes the wingbacks look for cutbacks. This generally means your width-holding players will look to hold on to the ball and look for passes infield to vary up their delivery. 

About this tactic itself, though, one thing I have noticed is that as a result of the limitations on CB movement in the match engine, there is often a huge gap between the attacking unit of this formation ( midfielders, strikers and wingbacks) and the defensive line. 

Edited August 15, 2020 by Adonalsium

[SixPointer]

18 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

I have been messing around with a similar set up trying to get the back three to resemble that of Gasperini's. I find it's the most complicated part of his system, getting the CB movement just right.

Yeah I’ve finally started to see my wider CBS attack more. Dribbling especially. And I feel the Toloi role is now sorted. But this is all in terms of FM. Because it’s impossible to completely replicate them in fm. 

[SixPointer]

10 hours ago, craiigman said:

What’s the purpose of having “look for under lap” on wing backs where there is no one to under lap?

@SixPointer

Purely to increase the wing backs mentality 

[SixPointer]

10 hours ago, Adonalsium said:

This tactic produces some really interesting football. Just finished a 3-5 loss against Juventus (First season, we got 3-1 ahead and then Juventus just kicked up a gear and scored three worldies against us and were just unstoppable) and enjoying this system so far. Earlier in the season I already beat Chelsea 2-1 and Leverkusen 3-2. If anything I would say this tactic is a little light in midfield, in that opposing teams midfielders often end up unmarked. I wish there was a way to make one of my center-backs to step up into midfield and mark them, this is what I would do if this was real, but alas not possible in match engine.

Libero would be the solution here. Of even a stopper centre back may help  

[SixPointer]

8 hours ago, dekzeh said:

Then it wouldn't be a Gasperini recreation anymore, would it? Cause he does the opposite of that, with the wide CBs sitting very wide and having permission to push forward, offering an option to recycle possession on the flanks when the wingbacks get forward. There's no way of doing that in FM, the closest you can do is BPD-St set to stay wider and Dribble More, but that still doesn't make them push forward when not dribbling, and even when defending the Stoppers don't push forward to mark someone before they receive the ball, only push to tackle once they do have it.

The main thing on my wishlist for FM21 is a complete overhaul on CBs roles and possible instructions, we are just way too limited in what we can do with them unfortunately, and it's very outdated compared to what we have seen in real life in recent years. 

I would disagree with the fact you can’t getting them dribbling I’ve managed to get mines playing a lot better now. Both sided play almost like a FB. The problem I have is I can’t get both to do it at same time as one tucks in to cover the other. But mostly am now happy with how these roles perform. 
 

yes libero isn’t Gasperini but The original statement was he wished one of his centre backs would step into midfield as he felt it as light therefore the solution to that problem is libero. 

[SixPointer]

8 hours ago, Experienced Defender said:

The OP will tell you his exact reason, but I would logically assume he uses the instruction as a way of increasing the wing-back's individual mentality. 

 

7 hours ago, Djuicer said:

Im not @SixPointer but it does alter the mentality of the wide players.

Both spot on used to increase the mentality on the wide players which is of course key to Gasperini system 

[SixPointer]

5 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

Don't you mean decreasing their mentality? Last time I checked it was the overlap instruction was the one that increased wingback mentality. I think underlap is supposed to increase the mentality of the central midfielders running past the wingbacks who will hold the ball for them

Oddly it increases it. But it also makes for some great movement from the wider CMS. Which are usually found with cutbacks on edge of box 

[SixPointer]

17 minutes ago, Adonalsium said:

As far as I understand, it makes the wingbacks look for cutbacks. This generally means your width-holding players will look to hold on to the ball and look for passes infield to vary up their delivery. 

About this tactic itself, though, one thing I have noticed is that as a result of the limitations on CB movement in the match engine, there is often a huge gap between the attacking unit of this formation ( midfielders, strikers and wingbacks) and the defensive line. 

The gap am not sure of. I was finding my DL would sit on half way. And if the ball is in either Channel the wider CB will join in as recycling option. The only problem is they will never overlap 

[SixPointer]

I feel the CB’s have thrown you some debate. So as I don’t have time to get my big third episode finished off. I’ll try gather some stats examples etc of the CBS in a shortened episode. Which is good for everyone. Also makes me feel like am progressing with planned series all be it not how I wished due to backlogged with work. Sure I’ll have time to dig a small centre back update in the next few days 

[crusadertsar]

6 hours ago, SixPointer said:

Purely to increase the wing backs mentality 

But that's it, "underlap" doesn't actually increase the wingback individual mentality. It makes them hold up the ball for the players on the inside as @Adonalsium said. If you actually want to increase the wingback mentality then use "overlap".

If you look at the player role in the tactical screen and click on "edit" you will see that underlap actually brings individual mentality down on balanced team mentality and does not affect it at all at higher team mentalities.

Edited August 15, 2020 by crusadertsar

[dekzeh]

7 hours ago, SixPointer said:

I would disagree with the fact you can’t getting them dribbling I’ve managed to get mines playing a lot better now. Both sided play almost like a FB. The problem I have is I can’t get both to do it at same time as one tucks in to cover the other. But mostly am now happy with how these roles perform. 
 

yes libero isn’t Gasperini but The original statement was he wished one of his centre backs would step into midfield as he felt it as light therefore the solution to that problem is libero. 

Don't know if I expressed myself poorly, but I didn't mean to say you can't get the CBs dribbling forward. What I meant to say that you can't get them forward to offer themselves as an option to recycle possession, without the ball. You can definitely have them dribbling forward almost as a fullback, that I agree with.

[SixPointer]

It 100% effects mentality

43 minutes ago, crusadertsar said:

But that's it, "underlap" doesn't actually increase the wingback individual mentality. It makes them hold up the ball for the players on the inside as @Adonalsium said. If you actually want to increase the wingback mentality then use "overlap".

If you look at the player role in the tactical screen and click on "edit" you will see that underlap actually brings individual mentality down on balanced team mentality and does not affect it at all at higher team mentalities.

Simple set up on attack and just with underlap left on

Left wing back mentality attacking

Right wing back mentality positive

Therefore my reason was to increase the mentality. but I could also have used "look for overlap" which was tested. like I said in the OP there was a lot of experimental test the wide areas where heavily subjected to this. I felt the underlap gave us the movement off the CMS and WBS that I seen at Atalanta and help increase the cut backs to them arriving late

" In the wide areas is where it got complicating for me here there is too much going on, but I tried so many variations and this worked most to give us what we needed. We want to see lots of play in the wide area and lots of movement with underlapping centre forwards and midfielders."

Direct quote in The OP about team instructions in wide areas

 

[SixPointer]

3 minutes ago, dekzeh said:

Don't know if I expressed myself poorly, but I didn't mean to say you can't get the CBs dribbling forward. What I meant to say that you can't get them forward to offer themselves as an option to recycle possession, without the ball. You can definitely have them dribbling forward almost as a fullback, that I agree with.

ohh yes. I totally understand what your saying. I found it very hard myself and only see it in some instances like if the wing back is attacking at the byline sometimes they come up in support. But in terms of GPG the centre backs are the hardest to purely recreate. Its like Sheffield united wider CB's they fully overlap the wing backs as well and many people have been trying to create this but simply cant 

[crusadertsar]

47 minutes ago, SixPointer said:

It 100% effects mentality

Simple set up on attack and just with underlap left on

Left wing back mentality attacking

Right wing back mentality positive

Therefore my reason was to increase the mentality. but I could also have used "look for overlap" which was tested. like I said in the OP there was a lot of experimental test the wide areas where heavily subjected to this. I felt the underlap gave us the movement off the CMS and WBS that I seen at Atalanta and help increase the cut backs to them arriving late

" In the wide areas is where it got complicating for me here there is too much going on, but I tried so many variations and this worked most to give us what we needed. We want to see lots of play in the wide area and lots of movement with underlapping centre forwards and midfielders."

Direct quote in The OP about team instructions in wide areas

 

I understand that but I just wanted to say that from pure technical perspective, underlap does not literally increase the individual mentality. Overlap does. It just doesn't work any other way. But you might be seeing something else from your wingbacks because of their traits or because of combination of other instructions. And yes for sure underlap would be better for cutbacks.

Edited August 15, 2020 by crusadertsar

[camoulton21]

17 minutes ago, crusadertsar said:

I understand that but I just wanted to say that from pure technical perspective, underlap does not literally increase the individual mentality. Overlap does. It just doesn't work any other way. But you might be seeing something else from your wingbacks because of their traits or because of combination of other instructions. And yes for sure underlap would be better for cutbacks.

But don't the above screenshots literally show that 'look for the underlap' TI does increase the wingbacks mentality? The left wingback has a higher mentality than the right wingback because 'underlap left' TI has been clicked.

I also have a question about the 'look for the underlap' TI because I feel as if it's another part of the tactics creator that is explained poorly. Does 'look for the underlap' promote more forward runs from midfielders on the inside of the wide players? Whenever I've seen it explained on these forums people have said that overlap/underlap only effects the wide players and their mentalities, but now in this topic people seem to be saying something different. I'm a bit confused basically about what FM deems to be an underlap

[crusadertsar]

3 minutes ago, camoulton21 said:

But don't the above screenshots literally show that 'look for the underlap' TI does increase the wingbacks mentality? The left wingback has a higher mentality than the right wingback because 'underlap left' TI has been clicked.

I also have a question about the 'look for the underlap' TI because I feel as if it's another part of the tactics creator that is explained poorly. Does 'look for the underlap' promote more forward runs from midfielders on the inside of the wide players? Whenever I've seen it explained on these forums people have said that overlap/underlap only effects the wide players and their mentalities, but now in this topic people seem to be saying something different. I'm a bit confused basically about what FM deems to be an underlap

I just looked in my own save and on balanced team mentality, my wingbacks (on support duty) mentality went down to cautious. So I don't really understand this. Maybe someone else can check it out.

[Malkael]

1 hour ago, crusadertsar said:

I just looked in my own save and on balanced team mentality, my wingbacks (on support duty) mentality went down to cautious. So I don't really understand this. Maybe someone else can check it out.

Look for the Underlap (LftU) definitely typically increases the mentality of players in the "Fullback" and "Wingback" tactical formation positions for the majority of role and duty combinations, and I cannot replicate (nor remember off the top of my head) so far any weird combinations that can cause it to do the reverse. Anything from the Midfield strata and onward will often see LftU drop mentality down a categorisation though, so that is something to be mindful of if you push your wingbacks forward in the tactical formation up to the Wide (left\right) Midfield tactical formation position. Since you explicitly said your wingbacks are on Support duty we can rule out Attack duty being an offender, since LftU typically causes no noticeable mentality change within the UI for Attack duties.

So, yeah, I don't know, you got me stumped for the moment as to what precise thing you have done to achieve that outcome.

Edited August 15, 2020 by Malkael

[XuluBak]

2 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

I just looked in my own save and on balanced team mentality, my wingbacks (on support duty) mentality went down to cautious. So I don't really understand this. Maybe someone else can check it out.

What formation are you using?

[crusadertsar]

1 hour ago, XuluBak said:

What formation are you using?

I just realized I was wrong. I was thinking I had wingbacks buy I actually used defensive wingers on support in my 3-4-1-2 formation. And my wingers mentality does go down with underlap. But people are right it works the opposite way in wingack roles. My bad, sorry for the confusion everyone.

Edited August 15, 2020 by crusadertsar

[skyline72]

6 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

I just realized I was wrong. I was thinking I had wingbacks buy I actually used defensive wingers on support in my 3-4-1-2 formation. And my wingers mentality does go down with underlap. But people are right it works the opposite way in wingack roles. My bad, sorry for the confusion everyone.

Actually, DW works better in the 3412 as I find them press more as @giggety has pointed out, though they tend to get more cards.

Edited August 15, 2020 by skyline72

[crusadertsar]

42 minutes ago, skyline72 said:

Actually, DW works better in the 3412 as I find them press more as @giggety has pointed out, though they tend to get more cards.

That's exactly the reason why I stopped using wingbacks in narrow formations like this. It's also easier to create 2-3-5 in attack. I find wingbacks never get as advanced as defensive wingers. You have to make sure you have 3 in back for defensive stability of course.

[Louisking1992]

On 15/08/2020 at 00:41, crusadertsar said:

Yeah agreed. Basically Gasperini's Atalanta is not recreatable in FM20. Not faithfully at least. The CBs won't ever push past the midfield line.

I have to disagree on this, simply because on my FM20 save with Brentford Ive managed to get my Outers CBs to push wide and forward on multiple occasions.

Its very player dependant and you need goo ball players with the correct traits - Brings ball out of defence, then ive played them as a BPD and asked them to stay wider and dribble more.. Honestly when it happens its amazing to watch, they actually overlap the WBs! 

[SixPointer]

17 hours ago, Louisking1992 said:

I have to disagree on this, simply because on my FM20 save with Brentford Ive managed to get my Outers CBs to push wide and forward on multiple occasions.

Its very player dependant and you need goo ball players with the correct traits - Brings ball out of defence, then ive played them as a BPD and asked them to stay wider and dribble more.. Honestly when it happens its amazing to watch, they actually overlap the WBs! 

I have seen glimpses off it as well. I intend to do a update purely on them wider CBS. My RCB Torren is the ideal player for it. As he is well suited to being a libero. But I wouldn’t say it happens as perfectly like GPG. As it’s near impossible to get the rotations that happen. We’re de Roon drops in to The DL and the RCB pushes up really High and the RWB comes inside. It cause me much agony 

Edited August 17, 2020 by SixPointer

[Adonalsium]

On 16/08/2020 at 03:22, crusadertsar said:

That's exactly the reason why I stopped using wingbacks in narrow formations like this. It's also easier to create 2-3-5 in attack. I find wingbacks never get as advanced as defensive wingers. You have to make sure you have 3 in back for defensive stability of course.

Do the defensive wingers replicate Gasperini better or perform better in some ways? I have noticed that they play a little higher up the pitch, but my wingbacks were actually contributing a lot of goals and assists regardless even before I made the switch. 

[skyline72]

1 minute ago, Adonalsium said:

Do the defensive wingers replicate Gasperini better or perform better in some ways? I have noticed that they play a little higher up the pitch, but my wingbacks were actually contributing a lot of goals and assists regardless even before I made the switch. 

I do notice that DW close down more and actually man mark the opponent compared to WB.

[Jungztar]

@SixPointer I am interested to know how you setup the man-marking. Are you adding the position for each player or are you manually targeting opposition players each game?

How do you interpretate the forwards marking the opposition defense? Are they marking the DCs or the FBs?

[crusadertsar]

3 hours ago, Adonalsium said:

Do the defensive wingers replicate Gasperini better or perform better in some ways? I have noticed that they play a little higher up the pitch, but my wingbacks were actually contributing a lot of goals and assists regardless even before I made the switch. 

Mine close down more and I get the desired 2-3-5 shape much more consistently. It's a risky strategy but you need very good, rounded players for that role. Basically wingbacks in winger strata.

[SixPointer]

6 hours ago, Jungztar said:

@SixPointer I am interested to know how you setup the man-marking. Are you adding the position for each player or are you manually targeting opposition players each game?

How do you interpretate the forwards marking the opposition defense? Are they marking the DCs or the FBs?

In terms of man marking I use a mixture of opposition instructions and player instructions. With certain players given mark tight and specific players to make depending on opponent. But the back 3 all have mark tight on.  
 

the centre forwards marking style. 
I tell them to man mark the full backs. But in OI I highly press the centre backs to try get that split press. 
 

the Gómez role always marks the number 6. But I tried this man marking with him and it just took away from his game he didn’t have as much space when turnovers happened 

[32MJ32]

21 hours ago, SixPointer said:

I have seen glimpses off it as well. I intend to do a update purely on them wider CBS. My RCB Torren is the ideal player for it. As he is well suited to being a libero. But I wouldn’t say it happens as perfectly like GPG. As it’s near impossible to get the rotations that happen. We’re de Roon drops in to The DL and the RCB pushes up really High and the RWB comes inside. It cause me much agony 

 

On 16/08/2020 at 19:30, Louisking1992 said:

I have to disagree on this, simply because on my FM20 save with Brentford Ive managed to get my Outers CBs to push wide and forward on multiple occasions.

Its very player dependant and you need goo ball players with the correct traits - Brings ball out of defence, then ive played them as a BPD and asked them to stay wider and dribble more.. Honestly when it happens its amazing to watch, they actually overlap the WBs! 

Bastoni as the left sided CB in the 3, with @SixPointer's instructions - BPD S Stay Wider Dribble More - and the Brings Ball Out of Defence PPM (which he has out of the box) - bombs forward a lot. He's almost too reckless, to be honest - given he can't do much once he's high up the pitch

Per some recommendations above, I moved from WB's to DW's (not to get a better Atalanta recreation, just in hope to kick some more goals in), and I find the extra space it provides for the CB's to move into encourages them forward even more. I threw a CM on D to cover. Creates some fun attacks and isn't a total defensive farce

[Jungztar]

20 hours ago, SixPointer said:

In terms of man marking I use a mixture of opposition instructions and player instructions. With certain players given mark tight and specific players to make depending on opponent. But the back 3 all have mark tight on.  
 

the centre forwards marking style. 
I tell them to man mark the full backs. But in OI I highly press the centre backs to try get that split press. 
 

the Gómez role always marks the number 6. But I tried this man marking with him and it just took away from his game he didn’t have as much space when turnovers happened 

Thank very much for explaining your approach. I will dive into my own testing

[Experienced Defender]

On 15/08/2020 at 13:59, crusadertsar said:

"underlap" doesn't actually increase the wingback individual mentality. It makes them hold up the ball for the players on the inside

Both overlaps and underlaps increase the mentality of the FB/WB and decrease that of the wide fwd/wide mid (if you use him). The difference between OL and UL is that OL tells the winger to hold up the ball for his overlapping FB/WB, whereas with UL he holds up the ball for the FB/WB waiting for him to underlap (instead of overlap). 

[Experienced Defender]

On 15/08/2020 at 15:53, camoulton21 said:

Does 'look for the underlap' promote more forward runs from midfielders on the inside of the wide players?

Only fullbacks/wing-backs. Central midfielders are not affected by either underlap or overlap TIs. Both OL and UL pertain solely to wide positions/players. 

[crusadertsar]

25 minutes ago, Experienced Defender said:

Both overlaps and underlaps increase the mentality of the FB/WB and decrease that of the wide fwd/wide mid (if you use him). The difference between OL and UL is that OL tells the winger to hold up the ball for his overlapping FB/WB, whereas with UL he holds up the ball for the FB/WB waiting for him to underlap (instead of overlap). 

Yeah i realized my mistake after. I was thinking of my defensive wingers, and was confused by that. The winger strata players mentality is actually decreased (on balanced team mentality at least) by underlap which makes sense. But he was talking about wingbacks .

[Experienced Defender]

2 hours ago, crusadertsar said:

The winger strata players mentality is actually decreased (on balanced team mentality at least) by underlap which makes sense

On any mentality. 

[SixPointer]

Gian Piero Gasperini Episode Three

Intro

Due to work commitments my writing of my planned episode three has taking too long. So, in the meantime ill shift the plan to shorter updates that do not require to take as much of my small free time I have while working. These will be covering certain aspects of GPG’s Atalanta before I return to the plan of a five-game series off full match analysis. This episode ill try cover in much detail the illusive GPG centre backs in particular the sided ones. With much debate being sparked in the light of this article I will try adding my piece. Ill try my best to not re use pictures or clips from in game that I've used previously that way we avoid boredom by going over things twice.

(Atalanta's tactical set up with movement lines)

The Overall Basis of The Back 3

In defensive phases, they employ a strict man-to-man marking system so much that as you’ll often find centre-backs wandering up the field, religiously chasing their target wherever they go even if that means accompanying them all the way to the opposite penalty area.

In the build-up phase, the wide centre backs are expected to be the base of the diamond shape found in the system. Often bringing the ball out from the back and advancing it either by dribbling into midfield or passing it into wingbacks, centre forwards or centre midfield depending on what rotation has taken place to free up space.

In the attacking phase the wide centre backs can take many forms. They can either be found to be acting like an orthodox full back sometimes overlapping the wing back other times they can be found to be acting more like an inverted wing back offering more of a support to the wide play. Naturally, it comes down to the complex rotations that have taken place in amongst there diamond shape which key in overloading the half space.

The Man Marking

We already discussed in the OP how aggressive the man marking and deep defending is. Centre backs are expected to follow their man at all costs. They often aim to aggressively beat their man to the ball first or simply allow them no space at all to receive. Here are some real-life examples of how looks. Ill then go through how I set up to achieve it the have some examples in game.

We can see how aggressive Palomino is again in ensuring Juventus are forced to play backwards, rushing far out of the backline to a point where he is in line with Atalanta’s midfield.

The example above is with the opposition breaking forward at speed and from a central position. However, when Atalanta are set defensively, we will see a 5-3-2 or a 5-4-1 formation, yet even within this set-up we will see the defenders look to push up aggressively.

In Game Setup For Marking

The focus here is the duties forget about the roles for a minute. The Key point to note is that our two wide centre backs are stopper duties, this is purely to help create they bursts into midfield to press or mark players in an aggressive manner. The only reason I have not went for three stoppers in game is it was far to unbalanced when I tested this, even though I felt this is how I seen it. in FM it simply didn’t work.

As default the whole team is asked to mark tighter due to the fact of Atalanta’s strict man marking policy. This of course helps aid the centre backs but also to help it all three have mark tight added to player instructions.

Now we get to the bit that changes game to game in order to make my middle centre back press in the right situations I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I use. Mostly against teams that play one up front.

• Add the player instruction to close down more
• Use the OI and tell the centre forward to be pressed and marked
• Add the centre forward to his own personal man marking role

I would like to add I never do these all at once as its just overkill but its three separate ways in which I can make that middle centre back more aggressive if need be without going with three stoppers that I couldn’t get working. Again, this isn’t for every game it’s just If I feel the centre forward is getting to much time on the ball and isn’t getting harassed enough.

For instance, in the picture below you can see Thaller the MCB had the highest interceptions in this game and completely man marked the lone striker out of the game.

Few Examples From In Game

Tight man marking at its best here from our centre backs, deep in our territory on this occasion. Nice to see the midfield also pressing aggressively In front as well.

Here is the defence now man marking higher up. Both the RCB (4) And LCB (26) are touch tight to their men. The forward again does a great job of pressing here.

RCB (4) aggressively moves out to press the wide man, while the MCB (2) does an impressive man marking job following the centre forward out of the defensive line at the same time.

Now its turn of the MCB (Thaller) marking high and then going on to win the ball that is cleared due to the fact of some nice high pressing from the forwards.

Wonderful defending from RCB (Torren) as he reads the game excellently, aggressively beats his man to the ball and breaks with the ball forward which in turn lead to a shot on target from the LWB of all people.

Watch as LCB (Torres) stays high to man mark his counterpart, in turn forcing a poor pass inside which is swept up by AMC who also does his job in working back for the side much like Gomez IRL.

The MCB (Thaller) now makes his case to show that he also will follow his man. As he stays high out of the defensive line to man mark number 9. He lets the LCB drop in to cover the space behind while sticks with his man and then intercepts the cross.

Advancing CBS

A key cog in the GPG machine is the wide centre backs being comfortable on the ball, as they’re responsible for starting many of the attacks from the base of the diamond and are expected to dribble or progressively pass the ball into the wide channel and half spaces on their side before following up and supporting and even overlapping. I would say Toloi the RCB is certainly the most comfortable and aggressive in this instance but Palomino on the left isn’t shy either.

In both pictures above we can see that the wide centre backs are at the bottom of the diamond looking to advance the ball through the diamond. This is just the first initial stage of build-up, but we can already see how involved they are in build-up.

Now above we look at their movement when not on the ball, as we can see both have made themselves available to support the wing back. The right sided has went on more of an advanced run that the left sided who is simply supporting rather than attacking. This is already a show that the RCB is more comfortable in the attacking sense. In the previous posts its was discussed how Toloi could easily be a full back with his ability on the ball we will touch on this next.

These now give you an idea off how willing Toloi is to join in when the opportunity arises. He is happy to dribble up the park and make off the ball runs beyond the midfield. This also happens on the left side but certainly not as frequently as it does on the right. Now we have built some idea of how the wide centre backs operate when in possession and when supporting the play in real life. I will now delve into my in game set up to shed light on how I try and implicate this.

In Game Set Up

This time around the roles are key as you can see both the wide centre backs are ball playing defenders. Few reasons for this they need to be comfortable on the ball and take risks when advancing with it whether it be with breaking the lines with passing or dribbling the ball into midfield they are both tasked with having a certain degree of creativity in the early stages of play.

Another subtle point is Torren is natural in the role whereas Torres is not, I think this also makes for a nice replication of Atalanta and the balance of the wide CB's. Adds another little dimension.

Added instructions

• Dribble more

Simple reason behind this because we want them to bring the ball out of defence and we don’t want them to be shy about advancing it down the wing or half space at their feet. Will also help them act like a full back in which we are aiming to create.

• Stay wider

It is a must in my eyes to have this added. Not only will it help represent the full back side of things in support situations. But we have already seen above how wide the position themselves either it be starting the diamond or when offering a passing option. These pair coupled with the team instructions of slightly shorter passing and play out of defence gives us a nice balance for build up from the back.

In Game Examples

First up we will take a look at some passing maps, just so we can get a feel for how the CB’s are faring and how they compare to each other and how positive they are with their passing.

Above its clear to see that the wide CBs are definitely being a lot more positive with there passing and are trying to advance the ball down the wing or half space. If we compare it to the number of backwards passes in the second picture you can clearly see they only tend to pass back when retaining possession is the only option on.

This time the images show a comparison of each player in different games, The first one shows a game where Torren (4) essentially the Toloi role is more slightly advanced in his play and sees a lot more of the ball, whereas the second picture shows a games when Torres (26) palomino is slightly more advanced and again sees more of the ball.

Moving on now to a couple of instances of the wide CBs brining the ball out from the back and progressing wide at the base of rough diamonds (I covered more about the diamond build up shape in post number one) both players advance with the ball before passing to the wing backs. It gives you an idea of where there picking the ball up and taking It to before passing like we have seen in the maps.

In this little highlight we can see how Torres brings the ball up from deep into the channel before playing the ball onto the wing back, he then offers himself deep and wide as a support option before again receiving it again and having a couple little neat interchanges.

Now its Torren’s turn to receive the ball deep then drive into the channel, then a nice interchange between Torren and the RWB and RCM (perfect Atalanta overload) then a cross to the far post for the on rushing LWB to hit the target.

Torren this time goes on a marauding inward run then lays the ball of before eventually offering himself up as a support option for the RWB, then he is fouled on the ball. More than happy to glide into midfield with the ball at his feet.

Torres likewise is more than happy to drive with ball into midfield when the space opens for him, eventually laying off to the LCM that he a had previously overlapped. The RCM get a shot on target again nice sign that the centre backs can be creative forces.

This is probably the best example of Torren acting like Toloi going forward as he picks up the ball wide and the drives past two men to the edge of the area before a neat cut back to the centre forward. If am honest this is perfect and what I want to see but unfortunately hasn’t  happened enough so far this season (due to work I haven’t played any more games since the opening post) but it does show you that this sort of play can happen just maybe not as frequently as it does for Atalanta IRL.

On the other side we now see Torres having himself a little overlap of the wing back, Dribbling himself down the wing like a flying machine Again, much like the previous clip, This simply hasn’t  happened enough to take credit for this sort of playing happening all the time. There are more instances off It but mostly are after throw ins which I can’t take claim to being like GPG Style.

Summary

To round it all off, I would say that its impossible to fully recreate Gasparini’s wide centre backs attacking prowess in this current match engine. They don’t support high enough often enough they don’t overlap regularly. But in some cases, you can definitely recreate at lot of aspects of there game. Mostly some off there creative running and passing in wide in half spaces and their ability to be a great base of the diamond. Another area I wanted to cover was the famous rotations, but I think I leave that till we get onto the midfield.

I am by no means a tactical Guru in anyway shape or form it’s just how I see the game and how I play it. Naturally, my ideas come from many years of reading some of the great guys info on here.

Up Next

Having enjoyed this little section, I feel this is probably the way to go with the writing from now on so up next, I think ill cover the Wing backs and eventually work my way through the team. Then round it off with some full game analysis as they are very demanding going through so much footage.

Again, am very sorry its taken so long to give a large contribution but am afraid work comes first at the minute. Hope this sheds some light on my thinking and sparks some more great debate and ideas.

Edited August 24, 2020 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

Hello people of the SI forums! Is there any other specific talking points about my Gian Piero Gasperini system that you would like me to cover? I don’t want to just go through all the positions in the team if people feel like am covering the again like episode two. Or is the many people who liked the idea of doing it much like episode 3?

[skyline72]

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

Hello people of the SI forums! Is there any other specific talking points about my Gian Piero Gasperini system that you would like me to cover? I don’t want to just go through all the positions in the team if people feel like am covering the again like episode two. Or is the many people who liked the idea of doing it much like episode 3?

I would like to know the specific position's PPM/traits if there is any.

[SixPointer]

4 hours ago, skyline72 said:

I would like to know the specific position's PPM/traits if there is any.

Okay I’ll put together an article maybe just covering this Or I’ll add it in to the next one . In terms of the centre backs that we just covered. I would want marks opponents tightly for all 3. And brings the ball out of defence for the RCB to give it the Toloi effect. 

 

Edited August 26, 2020 by SixPointer

[SixPointer]

I think this is an end to my GPG and Atalanta story. Work is calling and so is FM21. So I fancy one last project. So rather than. Keep analysing this I fancy something new and actually going back to playing the game again. 
 

thanks everyone for the views, comments and likes. I really enjoyed my first tactical post. I think I probably covered to much in the first post to carry it on. But hopefully I’ll be back soon with another one 

six pointer
 

 

[anxiousAnarchist]

Well it was a great thread well it lasted! I look forward towards your next project :))

[SixPointer]

1 hour ago, anxiousAnarchist said:

Well it was a great thread well it lasted! I look forward towards your next project :))

Thanks man. I have so much more analysis writing to be done but don’t have the motivation at the minute I may come back and add to it later. But right now am not motivated enough. And miss actually playing the game.  

[skyline72]

1 hour ago, SixPointer said:

Thanks man. I have so much more analysis writing to be done but don’t have the motivation at the minute I may come back and add to it later. But right now am not motivated enough. And miss actually playing the game.  

Do it at your own pace. 

No rush.