Zidane comments on infamous Materazzi headbutt as France prepare to host Italy
New France coach Zinedine Zidane insists he has no regrets over the infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final as he prepares to face Italy again.
Zidane was asked about the incident ahead of France’s UEFA Nations League clash with Italy at the Stade de France on Friday.
“The images will always be there to remind me of what happened in 2006, because they are always being shown,” Zidane said with a smile.
The former Real Madrid coach was sent off in extra time of the final in Berlin after headbutting Materazzi. Italy went on to win the match on penalties, in what was Zidane’s final game as a professional player.
However, Zidane says he prefers to focus on the positive moments of his illustrious career.
“Fortunately that is not the only thing I did and there were other nicer things, so I try to think more about the positives,” he added.
Zidane also revealed that he has not spoken to Materazzi since that night.
“I don’t have regrets because it was part of my career. I am not proud of what happened. I have said it over and over again, but it is part of my career — you can’t only do wonderful things.”
The 54-year-old was appointed France coach in late July, replacing Didier Deschamps.
He has won his first two matches in charge, with France beating Turkey and Belgium 1-0 away from home.
Friday’s clash will be Zidane’s first home match as France coach, with almost 80,000 supporters expected at the Stade de France.
“It is going to be really emotional,” Zidane said. France will, however, be without captain Kylian Mbappe, who returned to Real Madrid after suffering a knee injury while scoring the winning goal against Turkey.
