Italian football has long been admired for its defensive skill. A style known as catenaccio, meaning door-bolt, became famous in the 1960s for its organisation, discipline and counter-attacking approach.
Where it came from
The system used a spare defender, often called a sweeper, behind the main defensive line. Teams such as Inter Milan under Helenio Herrera used it to win major trophies in the 1960s.
Great Italian defenders
The tradition produced a series of world-class players, including Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini and Fabio Cannavaro. Cannavaro captained Italy to the 2006 World Cup and was named the world’s best player that year.
Modern tactics
Today Italian coaches are known for tactical flexibility as much as defensive strength. Their ideas continue to influence teams around the world.