Marco Materazzi is counting the cash he’s received from a newspaper after his World Cup clash with Zinedine Zidane.

The Italian defender was assaulted by a headbutt from the retired French superstar in the 2006 World Cup final. English tabloid The Sun published that the Inter centreback had offended Zidane with a racist utterance.

Upon revealing that the situation wasn't as reported, the newspaper ran a headline as a form of apology to the Italy international, after Materazzi took The Sun to court.

The British daily reportedly paid Materazzi damages in the six-figure range, similar to those paid by The Daily Star and the Daily Mail in 2008.

The defender's lawyer, Steven Heffer, admitted his client's satisfaction after compensation was made.

"The Sun has paid damages and acknowledged that he had not said anything racist to Zidane. The agreement puts an end to the pursuit of the case of libel against British newspapers and Marco is obviously happy with the result," said Heffer in an interview.

Materazzi is currently injured and is working his way back to fitness for the Nerazzurri.