Zinedine Zidane says he has no regrets over his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi as he prepares to face Italy for the first time as France coach, 20 years after the incident in the 2006 World Cup final.
France will host Italy at the Stade de France on Friday, October 2, in the UEFA Nations League, marking Zidane’s first home match since taking charge of Les Bleus.
The fixture has revived memories of the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin, where Italy beat France on penalties after the match finished 1-1 following extra time.
Zidane had scored France’s opening goal from the penalty spot before being sent off in extra time for headbutting Materazzi in the chest following an exchange between the two players. The incident became one of the most recognisable moments of the final and the last major episode of Zidane’s playing career.
Ahead of Friday’s meeting, Zidane said he does not regret what happened, although he acknowledged that the footage continues to follow him.
The former France captain also said the incident should not define his career, pointing to the many other moments from his playing days that he would rather be remembered for. Zidane confirmed that he has not spoken to Materazzi since the 2006 final.
The 54-year-old was appointed France coach in July after Didier Deschamps ended his 14-year tenure following the 2026 World Cup. He has made a winning start to his reign, guiding France to 1-0 victories away to Türkiye and Belgium in their opening two Nations League matches.
Michael Olise scored the decisive goal late in France’s win over Belgium, leaving Zidane’s side with six points from two matches. Italy have four points from their opening two games after beating Türkiye 4-1 in their most recent Nations League fixture.
Friday’s encounter will therefore give Zidane his first home match as France coach while bringing him face-to-face with Italy for the first time since the final that ended his international playing career.
Twenty years after Berlin, Zidane will now try to write a different chapter against the Azzurri from the France dugout.
