Lippi hails players

Marcello Lippi admits Italy’s World Cup triumph surpasses all his other football victories.

Lippi, boss of the triumphant Italians, hailed the “heart” of his players and dedicated the win to his family.

The Italians beat 10-man France 5-3 in a penalty shoot-out after Zinedine Zidane had been sent-off for a headbutt in extra-time.

Lippi said: “I have won the European Cup, I have won the Inter-Continental Cup and I have won five Italian titles but I have never felt as happy as I do now.

“This is the greatest joy of my career and I want to dedicate this victory to my family.

“Thank you to my players for showing such heart and great will.”

Zidane opened the scoring in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium with a seventh-minute penalty.

But he was sent-off in extra-time for ramming his head into Marco Materazzi’s chest after an exchange of words.

It was the France captain’s final game before retirement and he left the pitch in tears.

Former Everton defender Materazzi equalised with a header from a corner and the game was locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Left-back Fabio Grosso fired the winning penalty past Fabien Barthez in the shoot-out.