Materazzi: Gattuso can shackle Zidane

Italy believe the best way to deny Zinedine Zidane a fairytale finish in Sunday’s World Cup final is to unleash Gennaro Gattuso on the France captain.

The Azzurri players are familiar with Zidane from his days at Juventus and they have seen him lead Les Bleus to some of their greatest triumphs.

Among Zidane’s many achievements was beating Italy in the final of Euro 2000.

But Azzurri defender Marco Materazzi claims his side now have a gameplan to stop the great man in his final match as a professional.

“We have players that can mark Zidane, like Gattuso,” Materazzi said.

“There’s no need to charge him up, otherwise he is capable of splitting the world in two.”

Gattuso may lack flair but he is arguably the most tenacious and combative player in Marcello Lippi’s side.

The AC Milan midfielder will not be the only one to have his hands full, with Materazzi himself designated to mark Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, with Alessandro Nesta ruled out for the final game.

Nesta has struggled with a muscular injury throughout the tournament.

“For Alessandro it’s a difficult time,” admitted Materazzi.

“This is his third World Cup and each time he’s had a physical problem.

“For me, he is an idol and a point of reference.”

Inter Milan defender Materazzi, who will partner Fabio Cannavaro at the heart of Italy’s defence in the Berlin showpiece, is well aware of the task that awaits them in the German capital.

“France is a team that is used to winning,” he said.

“We will have to work very hard because our opponents have great players.

“We are confident – we know we are playing the most important game of our lives.”

Lippi’s men enjoyed a great reception as more than 2,000 fans turned up at their Mediderich training ground to watch them yesterday evening.