General
catenaccio
What does catenaccio mean?
A tactical approach emphasising a strongly organised, effective backline and stifling defence, famously associated with Italian football.
"They ground out a 0-0 with old-school catenaccio."
Origin
Italian for 'door-bolt', reflecting a locked-down defence.
Frequently asked questions
What is catenaccio in football?
It is a highly organised, defensive tactical system built on a solid backline and stifling defence, famously associated with Italian football.
What does the word catenaccio mean?
It is Italian for 'door-bolt', reflecting the idea of a locked-down, hard-to-break defence.
Where did catenaccio come from?
It became famous in Italian football in the mid-20th century, particularly through defensively minded Serie A sides.
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