Serie A runners-up — the peak of “Sarri-ball”
Drilled, endlessly repeated short combinations at a very high tempo
Not enough votes yet (0) to rank — shown as New for now.
Players only move where their role tag says — it's not a match replay
4-3-3
The deep-lying playmaker conducts the rhythm while the full-backs and wingers repeat drilled combinations on both flanks.
Identity
Shows where the same player moves to between in- and out-of-possession phases.
| In possession | Out of possession |
|---|---|
| GKBall-Playing Goalkeeper | GKSweeper Keeper |
| FB (L)Full-Back | FB (L)Pressing Full-Back |
| CB (L)Ball-Playing Centre-Back | CB (L)Centre-Back |
| CB (R)Ball-Playing Centre-Back | CB (R)Centre-Back |
| FB (R)Full-Back | FB (R)Pressing Full-Back |
| DMDeep Lying Playmaker | DMDefensive Midfielder |
| CM (L)Channel Midfielder | CM (L)Central Midfielder |
| CM (R)Advanced Playmaker | CM (R)Central Midfielder |
| AM (L)Inside Forward | AM (L)Winger |
| STFalse Nine | STCentre-Forward |
| AM (R)Wide Forward | AM (R)Tracking Winger |
Amber badges are the identity-defining instructions. We only set a value where the data gives a clear signal; where it does not, the FM default is left in place and shown faded — those are yours to adjust. Click an item to check it off.
In Possession
Out of Possession
FM26 handles one in-possession shape, one out-of-possession shape, and the switch between them. The items below fall outside that — this card carries only what the game can take.
Not an appearance ranking — these players embodied the system’s roles.
Tap a position on the pitch and the attributes that spot needs appear right there.
Deep Lying Playmaker in possession — where the whole side’s rhythm begins
Required
Preferred
Thin cover here means the whole playing style breaks down whenever the replacement plays
Inside Forward in possession — combines inside and finishes
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionDribbling Direction: Cut Inside With BallAttacking Width: Sit Narrower
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: Ball-Playing Goalkeeper · Out of possession: Sweeper Keeper
Required
Preferred
In possession: Full-Back · Out of possession: Full-Back
Required
Preferred
Set by the role
Holds PositionStays Wide
Every other player instruction stays at its default — those are yours to adjust.
In possession: Ball-Playing Centre-Back · Out of possession: Centre-Back
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionPassing Risk: Take More Risks
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: Ball-Playing Centre-Back · Out of possession: Centre-Back
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionPassing Risk: Take More Risks
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: Full-Back · Out of possession: Full-Back
Required
Preferred
Set by the role
Holds PositionStays Wide
Every other player instruction stays at its default — those are yours to adjust.
In possession: Channel Midfielder · Out of possession: Central Midfielder
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionAttacking Width: Move Into Channels
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: Advanced Playmaker · Out of possession: Central Midfielder
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionPassing Risk: Take More Risks
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: False Nine · Out of possession: Centre-Forward
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionFreedom of Movement: Roam From Position
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
In possession: Wide Forward · Out of possession: Tracking Winger
Required
Preferred
Common approach (reference only)
In possessionAttacking Width: Stay Wider
Out of possessionTrigger Press: More Often
A common tweak among users of this role — not something the game requires, so feel free to change it.
This is a well-founded starting point — the FM match engine is a separate system, so real match performance is not guaranteed.
Built from Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli side of 2017–18 (Serie A), this card turns real season data into FM26 settings. Their clearest trait: they were among the faster sides, 1st of 20 for tempo, and they built up heavily from the back (1st of 20). Expect the settings below to favour quick passing and fast transitions. On the other axes they ranked: defensive line 5th, width 14th, pressing intensity 10th. In FM26 this becomes a 4-3-3, with team instructions and role settings listed below. Ranks are within the Serie A 2017–18 field of 20 teams, where 1st is the highest value on that axis.
How the ranks are made: League style reports · How ratings work