Italy coach Marcello Lippi has admitted that his side have to find a way to stifle France maestro Zinedine Zidane if they are to win the World Cup final.

Zidane will make his final appearance in professional football on the biggest stage of all, with Lippi concerned that the 34-year-old has been getting better with every game played in Germany.

"Zidane is probably the best player there has been in the past 20 years," said Lippi.

"France has recovered the best Zidane and they have progressively grown throughout this tournament.

"The key to winning the World Cup is to stop Zidane and that's not the easiest thing to plan for. Their victory over Portugal was just a confirmation that they are in top form.

"It's going to be a difficult encounter and I think a very even one between two teams that have similar quality.

"I am confident that my players will give their best and hopefully that will be enough."