1990s – 2000s
3-5-1-1 The 3-5-1-1: a striker behind a striker
A variation of 3-5-2 with one forward dropping into the hole. It was Italy’s shape in 2006 and a common answer to a deep, compact opponent.
Strengths
- The second striker can mark the opponent’s holding midfielder.
- Five in midfield makes the centre almost impossible to play through.
- Good for protecting a lead late in a game.
Risks
- Only one player is high, so counter-attacks are slow.
- The shape can become too passive against a low block.
How it is played
The trequartista plays between the lines and must be the team’s best presser. When defending, the shape drops into a 5-4-1 with the second striker on the far side.
In today’s game
It survives mainly as a game-management shape: bring it on at 70 minutes when you are one goal ahead.
Reference sides: Italy 2006 · Roma 2001 · Uruguay 2010 · Malaysia 2018