Italy defender Marco Materazzi has strenuously denied reports that he called Zinedine Zidane a 'dirty terrorist'.

The 32-year-old was responding to suggestions made by the Paris-based anti-racism group SOS Racism that he apparently used the phrase seconds before the France captain head-butted Materazzi in the chest in extra time.

Zidane was sent off as a result of his actions before the Azzurri went on to defeat Les Bleus 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 extra-time draw in Sunday's World Cup final in Berlin.

SOS Racism claim well informed sources told them of what Materazzi allegedly said to the now-retired Zidane, but the Internazionale player denies making any such statement to the former Real Madrid man.

"It is absolutely not true, I did not call him a terrorist," Materazzi told Italian news agency Ansa.

"I'm ignorant. I don't even know what the word means.

"The whole world saw what happened on live TV."

Marcello Lippi has hinted that he will carry on as coach of Italy after leading the nation to World Cup glory.

The 58-year-old's contract ends later this month and reports in the Italian media suggested he would step down.

But Lippi said: "I have never said I will stop but I have a meeting on Tuesday with the Italian Football Federation so we will see.

"When someone gets to 70 or 68 or 65 they might decide to call it a day but I intend to continue in my work."

Lippi added: "Whatever my next job is, whether it's with the national team or not, I hope to have the same relationship with the players that I have had here.

"It is beautiful to win important titles and when you reach the top, you realise how hard it was to get there and how fantastic it would be to discover new emotions and incentives."

The former Juventus coach was recently linked with a move to Manchester United as a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Lippi was quick to reject the speculation - citing his lack of English as his reason for not moving to the Premiership - and United also denied the rumours.

On the eve of the World Cup final between Italy and France, Lippi said that in "15-20 days" his future would be revealed.

The final finished 1-1 before Italy won the shoot-out 5-3 and Lippi described the victory as "the most satisfying moment of my life".

Materazzi denies Zidane jibe
skysports.com

why they wana take off their pants it is broadcasted all over the world... and they.......

anyway congrats italians deserves the trophy

What taking off pants? You mean Rino taking off his pants?



Other WC Final shots...

Brigitte Bardot v2.0?


Mission Accomplished for Signore Lippi...

Hopefully we can maintain and defend the revenge of France & Ukraine in qualifying euro 2008 groups....Its a coincedence they meet earlier in World Cup path lol..

wat if hes not wearing underwear
another janet jackson in the making

What taking off pants? You mean Rino taking off his pants?



Other WC Final shots...

Brigitte Bardot v2.0?


Mission Accomplished for Signore Lippi...

WORLD Cup winners Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Cannavaro could be given FREE transfers in the latest twist in Italy's match-fixing scandal.

The Juventus trio are awaiting the verdict from an inquiry into allegations the Turin club tried to influence the appointment of match officials.

If the clubs are found guilty later this week they would be in breach of contracts with players, entitling them to free transfers.

WOW
buffon the 30 million pounds gk

Marcello Lippi has resigned as Italy head coach just days after winning his country's fourth World Cup in Germany.

The former Juventus boss steps after two years in the post, having succeeded Giovanni Trapattoni following Italy's abrupt exit from the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal.

His decision to leave his post with the Azzurri comes despite calls for him to remain in the position ahead of 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland.

Lippi had made suggestions he would step down from the Italy hot-seat after being questioned by prosecutors regarding the corruption scandal currently plaguing the domestic game.

The 58-year-old leaves the post on the biggest of highs after taking the Italians to World Cup glory following the penalty shoot-out success over France in Berlin on Sunday.

Lippi, who has since been linked with a role at Premiership giants Manchester United, believed the time was right to walk away from his country's national team.

"After the conclusion of an extraordinary professional and human experience during my time guiding this group of players, I believe my role as coach of the national team is over," Lippi said in a statement on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)'s official website.

"I have therefore announced to the FIGC my wish to leave the post as national coach when the contract expires.

"I would like to thank the FIGC for the trust they have given me in the last two years I have worked for them."

Marcello Lippi has resigned as coach of Italy after leading his country to a fourth World Cup title.

Despite widespread calls for him to stay on at the helm after Italy's win over France on penalties, Lippi has decided the time is right to quit.

The 58-year-old feels he and his son, Davide, were attacked personally in the match-fixing and corruption scandal tainting the domestic game.

Lippi failed to attend a meeting with the Italian Federation on Tuesday.

"At the end of an extraordinary professional and human experience, experienced as the head of an exceptional group of players...I believe my role is over as the guide of the team," he said.

The former Juventus coach was recently linked with a move to Manchester United as a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Lippi was quick to reject the speculation - citing his lack of English as his reason for not moving to the Premiership - and United also denied the rumours.

While he is not under investigation, Lippi was questioned by prosecutors before the World Cup about alleged pressure he received to select certain players for Italy's national team.

Davide Lippi is under investigation for his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

The World Cup final finished 1-1 before Italy won the shoot-out 5-3 and Lippi described the victory as "the most satisfying moment of my life".