Hours before Thursday’s Italy‑France clash, Materazzi told Italian media he imagined the deadly fallout if Zidane’s 2006 headbutt had struck him instead.
The 1‑1 first‑leg drama resurfaced as the headbutt story reappeared ahead of the Nations League tie. Unrepentant, the ex‑defender revisited the incident in Gazzetta dello Sport, saying the recent death of Jesus de Miguel on Nov 3, after a collision with keeper Jesus Owono, forced him to relive the trauma. He admits the comparison is bold, even misplaced, given the very different contexts.
‘Jesus de Miguel’s death made me thank God nothing serious happened.’
Zidane once said in October he bears no regrets, viewing the episode as part of his career, yet Materazzi dismisses that stance. He imagines Zidane saying today, ‘I made a mistake, I was provoked; judge for yourself, I apologise.’ He paints Zidane as a noble figure and himself as the usual provocateur, suggesting a different outcome could have softened the saga.
The former Inter defender realised he could have faced a fatal blow that night. ‘Jesus de Miguel’s death made me thank God nothing serious happened to me. In the keeper’s case it was an accidental homicide during play… what if it had been me?’ he asked.
Materazzi still rebukes Zidane for never apologising. He recalls November 2010 at Milan’s Meliá hotel, moments before a Milan‑Real match. After greeting Mourinho, he spotted Zidane parking his car, hesitated, then approached: ‘Glad we meet away from the cameras.’ Zidane replied, ‘Don’t worry, these things happen, it’s over.’ Later the French star claimed Materazzi was just a fan, a twist that still irks the ex‑defender. For my money, Zidane’s silence still stings.
Despite the grudge, Materazzi praises Zidane’s coaching, saying everything about his method impresses him. He notes the veteran knows elite locker rooms, respects players, gives them space and builds empathy – essential for victory. He adds that when guiding stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Marcelo or Modrić, smart use of experience wins, and warns against trying to teach Ronaldo free‑kicks as Benítez once attempted.