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REVEALED: What made Zinedine Zidane headbutt Marco Materazzi

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A decade ago today, Italy won the 2006 World Cup finals against France and it was all put down to Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt during the match.

Published: Sun 10 Jul 2016, 11:38 AM

Updated: Thu 6 Oct 2022, 12:24 PM

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  • Curated by Sarakshi Rai

Materrazi and his side went on to win the final 5-3 via the penalty shoot out after Zidane was red carded during extra time.

The then 32-year-old had provoked Zidane with his words, which caused him to react that way.

The incident occurred 10 years ago to the day, and Italian defender Materazzi decided to give an interview with L'Equipe to explain exactly what he said to provoke such a response.

"I decided to write a book about it because everyone kept asking me what I said to Zidane to get such a reaction," he explained.

"What I said was in reference to his sister, not his mother, like I have read in some newspapers. My mother died when I was a teenager, when I was 15, so I would never have stooped as low as to insult his mother."

"You would hear stronger words said on the streets of Naples, or Milan, or Paris, much more serious things. My mother died when I was 15, so I would never have insulted his," he added.

"I spoke about his sister."

Many believe that the incident cost France the 2006 World Cup final and as well as Zidane's chance to bag the golden ball.

However Italian defender Materazzi wants people to remember him for scoring in the penalty shootout and not this incident.



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