Zidane's the man for Lippi
Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes Zinedine Zidane holds the key for France in the final.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi believes Zinedine Zidane holds the key for France, as the pair prepare to go head-to-head in the World Cup final.The veteran tactician and playmaker have both defied the odds and the critics to lead their teams to the last two at this summer's tournament.
France scraped through the group stages as runners-up, but have sparkled since, beating Portugal 1-0 to progress from the last four by virtue of a Zidane penalty.
Lippi's team meanwhile, gave a stellar display of their own as they knocked-out the hosts Germany in the semi-finals, and the boss has taken note of Sunday's opposition, earmarking the previously under-fire Frenchman as Les Bleus' catalyst.
"We have seen how France grew during the tournament," Lippi commented.
"After the first two matches were not good, quite difficult in fact, they found their way to their best form, thanks to their best player Zinedine Zidane.
"Anyway, I'm convinced it will be a really balanced final, between two teams who are evenly-matched. We will play for the cup."
Zizou has already announced that he will retire after the tournament, and with Lippi also expected to leave the Azzurri after the game, it will be a keenly fought contest to see who comes out on top in their swansong.
