Former Italy star Marco Materazzi has hit back at his critics after the infamous headbutting incident with Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final.

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While Italy secured their fourth World Cup title in 2006 after defeating the French on penalties in Germany, the final is famously remembered for Zidane's sending off in extra-time.

During extra-time Materazzi and Zidane exchanged a couple words before the latter headbutted the Italian, which resulted in a straight red card in his final career game.

Click through the gallery to see action from the 2006 World Cup final

Materazzi, who netted the equaliser in the final, has hit back at the critics from his home nation who he feels should have been praising him after lifting the title.

"Zidane was protected by the French, but I was torn apart by my own countrymen, who I don't see as real Italians,' Materazzi said in an Instagram live interview with Inter Milan supporter Davide Oldani.

"I am patriotic, I will always defend the colours of Italy. Their criticism is what hurt the most after that World Cup.

'"Those same people should've kissed the ground I walked on, seeing as I'd scored the equaliser in the final."

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Do you think Zidane should have also been criticised for his reaction? Have your say in the comment section below.