Lippi hails Zidane as world's best
Lippi hails Zidane as world's best
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Sunday, 09, Jul 2006 10:38
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has described France's captain Zinedine Zidane as "the best player there has been in the last 20 years".
As the clock ticks down to today's eagerly-anticipated World Cup final between Italy and France, Lippi has conceded that his players will have to be at their efficient best if Zidane is to be kept at bay.
"France have recovered the best Zidane and have grown through the tournament. Beating Portugal confirmed that they are in top form," he said
"Zidane is probably the best player there has been in the past 20 years."
But Lippi predicts that today's showpiece will be a fairly even affair, with both teams famed for their defensive organisation and technical prowess.
While Zidane may still possess some of the magic that has seen him single-handedly win games for his clubs and country over the years, Lippi suggests that today's encounter may simply come down to who wants it the most.
"We are going to Berlin and we will see who has the most hunger," he added.
According to AC Milan ace Andrea Pirlo, Italy are set to come out on top in this particular battle.
"It is a difficult final but we have more hunger than they have," he claimed.
After a laboured start, Lippi's Italy have grown steadily during the tournament and excelled during their extra-time 2-0 victory over Germany in last week's semi-final.
But France have followed a similar course, with Zidane's breathtaking performances against Brazil and Portugal reminding his critics that he still has unfinished business.
Today's mouth-watering clash will see the iconic French playmaker up against enigmatic Italian Francesco Totti, while Thierry Henry will be hoping to repeat his feat from the quarter-final of this year's Champions League by netting against Gianluigi Buffon.