Sarriball

Sarriball is a footballing philosophy attributed to Italian manager Maurizio Sarri. It gained prominence during his time at Empoli and Napoli in the 2010s and was later applied at other clubs. The term is used by media and fans to describe a distinct, possession-based approach that combines patient buildup with rapid, vertical passing aimed at breaking open defenses through sustained control of the ball.

Core elements of Sarriball include building from the back with high passing accuracy, maintaining tempo in possession, and using short, precise passes to create forward movement. A defining feature is the use of a deep-lying playmaker to orchestrate play and deliver well-timed vertical passes into attacking lines. Triangular passing patterns, constant movement off the ball, and quick transitions into forward areas are emphasized to generate passing angles and space for attackers. Defensively, teams seek to regain possession quickly after losing the ball and to press with intent once it is recovered.

Formation and implementation common to Sarriball are typically 4-3-3 or its variants, with full-backs providing width and a flexible midfield that supports circulation of the ball. The approach relies on technically capable players who can maintain high pass quality and execute incisive through-passes.

Notable applications include Napoli (2015–2018), whose style brought strong league performances and distinctive attacking play, and Chelsea (2018–19), where the system achieved a top-four finish and won the Europa League. The term has become a shorthand for Sarri’s footballing philosophy and has influenced discussions of modern possession-based systems, though it has also faced criticism for potential rigidity and reliance on high technical standards. In Italian discourse, the style is sometimes referred to as Sarrismo.