Profile

A high-profile figure at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, especially in the final against France, Marco Materazzi is a tall, left-footed central defender who has spent the past seven seasons with FC Internazionale Milano.
Made his name at club level with AC Perugia though split his two spells there with one season in England at Everton FC (1998/99), during which he received four red cards.

Scored 12 goals (seven from penalties) for Perugia in 2000/01 – a record for a defender in Serie A.

Made senior national team debut on his home ground – Perugia's Renato Curi Stadium.

Played once at UEFA EURO 2004 (none in qualifying) but was more prominent at the 2006 World Cup where he got his chance after an injury to Alessandro Nesta.

Scored first international goal in final group game against the Czech Republic; sent off against Australia; returned from suspension for semi-final against Germany.

Eventful final against France included conceding a penalty, heading Italy's equaliser, being headbutted by Zinédine Zidane and converting a spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out

Did you know?

He is the son of Giuseppe Materazzi, a coach with a lengthy CV including spells at S.S. Lazio and Sporting Clube de Portugal.