Italy's Materrazzi Evokes JFK

• Reuters, Friday, June 6, 2008 4:15 PM

Italy's Marco Materazzi, best known for his insult that provoked France's Zinedine Zidane to head-butt him in the chest at the 2006 World Cup final, can't escape his critics.

The 34-year-old defender evoked the late U.S. President John F. Kennedy in taking a swipe at those who questioned his character. "I think it was Kennedy who said: 'Forgive what they have said but don't forget their names,' he told a news conference on Friday. "Since I was a child I have risen above preconceptions. Now I will try again to demonstrate my worth, if it is necessary another time."

Italy meet France again in their final Group C game at the European Championship on June 17. Materazzi says he is ready for any blow that may come his way. "My chest remains as it was," he said. "It is resistant enough."

Read the whole story at Reuters »