Fabio Cannavaro reflects on Zinedine Zidane's 2006 World Cup final headbutt

It instantly became one of the most iconic images in World Cup history.

And Italy's World Cup winning captain, Fabio Cannavaro, has even admitted it was a 'good headbutt' that saw Zinedine Zidane see red in his final ever game.

With the game locked at 1-1 in extra time of the 2006 final in Berlin, the legendary French midfielder exchanged words with Marco Materazzi and then proceeded to floor him with a headbutt to the chest.

The centre-back claimed months after the final that he had said 'I'd prefer your sister' after Zidane had complained about his constant shirt-tugging, telling him: 'If you want my shirt so much I'll give it to you afterwards'.

Without their talismanic captain France went on to lose the shootout, handing Italy their fourth world crown.

During an Instagram Live, Cannavaro admitted he didn't even see the pivotal moment of the final.

He said: 'I have to be honest, I only remember the noise. I was nearby I turned and I saw Marco on the ground.

'I heard this noise and Marco said "he headbutted me".

'Was it sore? Beyond that, he did what he had to do. He threw himself on the ground. Goodbye and thank you. But it was a good headbutt.'

Cannavaro also opened up on the true personality of his countryman and fellow World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo.

Although both players featured for Inter Milan and Juventus during their careers, their paths never crossed at club level, though they were frequently colleagues on the international stage.

The pair became good friends and Cannavaro has lifted the lid on what his team-mate, who is famed for his suave demeanour, is really like away from the field during an Instagram Live.

Cannavaro said: 'He's a b****** - I'm allowed to say that.

'Andrea is really quick-witted and funny. He has plenty of jokes - he's not a curmudgeon like it seems. He's great company.'

The pair were driving forces behind Italy's performances that inspired them to win the World Cup.

Pirlo dominated the midfield while Cannavaro went on to lift the Ballon d'Or thanks to his fantastic performances for club and country that year.

He still remains the only Italian defender to lift the prestigious trophy, as well as the last defender to win the trophy after Virgil Van Dijk most recently missed out to Lionel Messi.

Cannavaro is targeting a move back to Italy in the near future after coaching in China and Saudi Arabia since his retirement.'