Catenaccio

How it is used

Often used loosely for very defensive football; the historical tactical meaning is narrower.

Example sentences

1. The documentary explained catenaccio through the covering defender's position.

   The historical structure relies on cover behind the markers.

2. Calling every deep defence catenaccio ignores differences between systems.

   The sentence separates a specific tradition from a broad style judgement.

Common collocations

• catenaccio system
• classic catenaccio
• catenaccio tactics

Related terms

• formationThe way a team arranges its outfield players on the pitch, written as numbers from defence to attack, such as 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.
• defenderA player whose main job is to stop the other team from attacking and scoring, usually playing in the line closest to their own goal.

More terms: Formations & Tactics

• line-up
• counter-attack
• possession
• pressing
• high line
• marking
• offside trap
• park the bus
• mid-block
• double pivot
• half-space
• rest defence