The tactic originated from the original WM system, in which players stood in a 3-2-5 formation, and was replaced by a layout of 1-3-3-3. Behind the trio of defenders standing in one line and marking the opponent's attackers, another player acted as a so-called "sweeper." His task was to intervene in situations where the defensive line could be disrupted, according to the current need.
In 1960, Argentine coach Helenio Herrera introduced what he called an "improved Catenaccio" at Internazionale Milan by withdrawing the game to two classic strikers, three midfielders, and five defenders. One of them was tasked with launching attacks as a false winger. Under Herrera's leadership, the team won three Italian titles in 1963, 1965, and 1966, won the European Cup twice, and won the Intercontinental Cup twice.