Marco Materazzi may have felt
the pain when Zinedine Zidane planted his infamous head-butt on him in the World
Cup final, but the Italian hardman defender has seen it pay off financially for
him in a commercial.
The Inter Milan star - who was hit with a two-match ban and 2 500 pound fine
for his part in provoking Zidane - agreed to do the advertisement for sportswear
giants Nike and was reportedly paid 25 000 pounds, the Daily Mail reported on
Wednesday.
In it, the former Everton misfit - who had an eventful World Cup being sent
off in the second-round match with Australia, conceding the penalty that gave
France the lead in the final and then heading the equaliser - is seen taking
blows to the chest.
The various offenders are a tenpin bowling ball, an American footballer, a
battering ram and a jeep - which Materazzi stops in the manner of comic-book
hero Superman standing in front of it with his arms outstretched.
The final scene is of a demolition ball swinging from a crane which sees
Materazzi diving out of the way just in time and moving away shaking his head in
wonderment with the catchline being 'every athlete has their secret weapon'.
Tongue in cheek
It is being aired only in Italy at present, although it could be shown abroad
as well.
Nike Italia employee Cristini Majetti told the newspaper: "The butting
incident was the moment of the World Cup.
"When we discussed it with Marco he was enthusiastic and he liked the fact
that it was very tongue-in-cheek.
"It may well be seen in Britain and all over the world as Marco is so famous
now," he added.
Sent off
Quite how it would go down in France, however, is open to question.
Zidane lost his cool shortly before the end of extra-time and was sent-off,
bringing an inglorious end to his stellar career, claiming he had suffered
incessant crude remarks from Materazzi.
Materazzi, who was sent off several times during his brief Everton career
prompting him at one point to think his career might be over, claimed that
Zidane had turned round to him after he had tugged at his shirt and said he
could have it after the match.
According to Materazzi he replied 'I would prefer your sister'.
