Mattia Croci-Torti Tactics: Masterminding FC Lugano’s Transformation Into Swiss Title Hopefuls

Since Mattia Croci-Torti was promoted to the head coaching position in late 2021 after three years as assistant manager; its been a natural progression up the Swiss Super League standings for FC Lugano.

After repeating their previous seasons league finish by ending 2021/22 in fourth position, they climbed up to third the following year before recording their highest placement since 2001 last term, finishing second to champions Young Boys.

Theyre halfway through this campaign and looking to do better.

Theyre at the top of the league in whats shaping up to be an exciting title race this year in Switzerland.

At the winter break, only four points currently split the top six.

With the second half of the season set to commence in a couple of weeks, winter champions Lugano will be looking to go one better this spring as they seek their first Swiss championship since 1949.

Theyre also flying high in other competitions, having qualified to the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League, their first time in a European knockout stage, and the Swiss Cup quarter-finals.

However, this article will focus exclusively on their league performances.

In this tactical analysis and head coach analysis, we will examine some of the keys to Luganos success in the Swiss Super League this season, which have brought them to the summit at the halfway stage.

We will also examine some issues that will need to be ironed out if they are to go the distance and win their first league title in seventy-six years.

FC Lugano Tactical Profile

Under Croci-Torti, Lugano set up predominantly in a 4-2-3-1 shape, although they do very rarely mix it up with other approaches that involve playing with a second forward or with three/five at the back.

They are a side that likes to get on the ball and dictate the play, as evidenced by their superior possession, averaging 61% throughout the season in Switzerland.

However, they are not a typical posses