Nations League: Zidane returns to face Italy and the Stade de France

Saint-Denis, October 2 — Former France star Zinedine Zidane, now the team's new coach, has declared he harbors no regrets about his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final. Zidane faced Materazzi again this week, as France hosted Italy in a UEFA Nations League match at the Stade de France. The former Real Madrid coach, 54, admitted that the images of the headbutt will forever serve as a reminder of that fateful night in Berlin, which led to his ejection from the match in extra time.

Zidane expressed that while the incident is a part of his career, he has also had numerous positive moments and is not solely defined by that singular event. Furthermore, he mentioned that he has not spoken to Materazzi since the incident in 2006, stating that it was difficult for him at the time as he had no idea he would become a coach.

Zidane, who succeeded France legend Didier Deschamps as the national team's coach in late July, will be making his debut as a manager in his home country as Les Bleus take on Italy. The match, which will take place in front of a packed Stade de France, is expected to be an emotional occasion for the coach. In other news, France forward Ousmane Dembele dismissed any tension between himself and Mbappe, who is also a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or.