{
  "id": 11304261,
  "title": "Zidane ‘no regrets’ over Materazzi headbutt as France face Italy again",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/zidane-no-regrets-over-materazzi-headbutt-as-france-face-italy-again",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T22:34:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/sports/2026/10/02/zidane-no-regrets-about-materazzi-headbutt-as-france-face-italy-again"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "France head coach Zinedine Zidane affirmed on Thursday that he harbors no remorse over his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final as he anticipates facing Italy once more in his inaugural domestic match as a coach. The images of the incident will forever remain etched in his memory, as they are frequently displayed, Zidane remarked when questioned about the event that resulted in his ejection during extra time, marking his final game as a player. However, he emphasized that there were other commendable moments in his career, urging him to focus more on the positive aspects. Zidane expressed at a press conference held at the Stade de France, where the French team will host Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, that he bears no regrets as it was an integral part of his journey. In 2006, he was unaware that he would transition into coaching and found it challenging to envision a different path. Zidane, 54, assumed the role of France's coach in late July, succeeding Didier Deschamps, who resigned after a 14-year tenure following the World Cup in the United States. The coach's maiden two matches with Les Bleus have been played away, with victories over Turkey and Belgium in the Nations League, both by a 1-0 score. Consequently, Friday's encounter, which will be held in front of a likely 80,000-strong crowd at the national stadium north of Paris, will mark a triumphant return for Zidane, who remains a revered figure in France. The coach acknowledged that the match would be emotionally charged, as his last appearance at the Stade de France as a player occurred in a friendly against Mexico in 2006. Ousmane Dembele, a Paris Saint-Germain forward, stated that there were no issues between him and Kylian Mbappe, who departed from the team after sustaining a knee injury while scoring the winning goal in Turkey last week. Dembele affirmed that he and Mbappe had discussed their relationship and sat together during meals. Meanwhile, Mbappe had previously criticized Dembele, asserting that he was always seen as the favored player, whereas Dembele contended that he had worked diligently and was rewarded for his outstanding performance.",
  "summary": "Zinedine Zidane insisted he has no regrets over his infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final as he prepares to face Italy again in his first home game in charge.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Zidane ‘no regrets’ over Materazzi headbutt as France face Italy again",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/zidane-no-regrets-over-materazzi-headbutt-as-france-face-italy-again-11307851",
        "published": "2026-10-01T22:34:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}