Zidane stands by his 2006 headbutt on the eve of France vs Italy at the Stade de France

“I have no regrets, it is part of my career.” Speaking to the press on the eve of France vs Italy, Zinédine Zidane repeated what he makes of the headbutt he delivered to Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final. On Friday night (7.45pm UK time), he leads France against Italy at the Stade de France, on matchday three of the Nations League, in front of a sold-out crowd.

Berlin, the 110th minute

On 9 July 2006, Zidane opened the scoring in the 7th minute from a panenka penalty; Marco Materazzi equalised in the 19th. In the 110th minute of extra time, with the score at 1-1, Zidane planted his head into Materazzi’s chest: a red card, and a final lost on penalties. “I am not proud of what happened, I have said it and I will say it again,” he explained. “You cannot only do beautiful things, but there have been some beautiful ones too.” The images have never left him: “They remind me of it all the time, because they are on a loop everywhere.”

The Italy that made him

Friday’s opponents built the player. Five seasons at Juventus, from 1996 to 2001: 212 appearances, 31 goals, 54 assists, two Serie A titles and the 1998 Ballon d’Or. “Italy and Juve were quite special for me, because that is perhaps where I became an important player,” he said.

The Italy of 2026 missed the last World Cup. “Seeing Italy knocked out of the final stages of the World Cup feels strange, they are one of the great nations of the game… I expect a difficult match,” he warned. His France side are chasing a third straight win after Belgium (1-0 on Monday) and Türkiye (1-0): six points, top of the group. Italy sit on three, beaten 0-2 by Belgium before their 4-1 in Türkiye.

A full house and a blurred teamsheet

On Thursday, Zidane was back at the Stade de France for the training session. “It is a big emotion… But it will be even bigger tomorrow with the crowd. We are ready for this match. We have prepared it well.” The starting eleven remains blurred: in Thursday’s shape, Upamecano was paired with Yoro and Jacquet with Lacroix, while Doué switched bibs to join Olise and Dembélé in attack.

The market makes France strong favourites: 1.52 with Bwin ES on Friday morning, 6.60 for Italy with Betano. The three-goal line has hardened at Bet365, with the over moving from 2.21 at the opening to 1.875. Our France vs Italy match preview details the tactical read and the bet we have recorded.