Sport: Soccer Country: Italy Category: Scores & Results

Zinedine Zidane faces Italy as France coach in Nations League matchup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 1, 2026, 11:14 AM

Last updated Oct 1, 2026

Zinedine Zidane faces Italy as France coach in Nations League matchup

Summary

Zinedine Zidane returns to the pitch, this time as France's coach, facing Italy in a Nations League match on October 1 at Stade de France. This matchup comes 20 years after Zidane's infamous headbutt incident in the World Cup final against Italy, which concluded his playing career. France players have praised Zidane's training methods after he led the team to victories over Turkey and Belgium in his first two games in charge. Italy, led by Roberto Mancini, hopes to capitalize on momentum after a recent win against Turkey, despite an earlier loss to Belgium.

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Status Watch

•Zinedine Zidane faces Italy as France's coach for the first time.
•The game marks 20 years since Zidane's headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final.
•France won its first two matches under Zidane's management.
•Italy suffered a recent loss to Belgium but won against Turkey.
•The Nations League match is set for October 1 at Stade de France.

Latest Updates

11:14 AMYahoo Sports — Twenty years after his infamous World Cup final headbutt, Zidane faces Italy again as France coach

What they're saying

"
Deep into extra time in the 2006 World Cup final, France star Zinedine Zidane planted a firm headbutt right into the chest of Italy defender Marco Materazzi. The force sent Materazzi flying backward and Zidane's stellar career ended with a red card.
— Yahoo Sportsby JEROME PUGMIRE

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