Materazzi reveals what he said to Zidane

Marco Matterazzi has broken his silence on what he said to Zinedine Zidane to make the Frenchman snap and head-butt him in one of the most infamous moments in football history.

Not only was it on the biggest stage in world sport, the 2006 World Cup Final, but it also was the final act of Zidane's career as a professional footballer. It also marked the turning point in the match, which Materazzi and Italy went on to win in a penalty shootout.

Now, ten years on from the incident, the former Italy defender has decided to shed light on what he said to earn the ire of Zidane.

Media reports at the time suggested Materazzi had insulted Zidane's mother, but the 42-year-old Italian insisted that was not the case. 

"What I said was stupid," Materazzi said. "But it didn't deserve that reaction.

"You would hear stronger words said on the streets of Naples, or Milan, or Paris, much more serious things.

"My mother died when I was 15, so I would never have insulted his.

"I spoke about his sister."

Watch what Zidane had to say about the incident at the time as well. (Sorry, it's in French so you'll have to put up with subtitles).