well, you would say that about nick faldo's comment, wouldn't you?!

mungo, London, UK

Poor old Marco,
fancy claiming that England has had no success at rowing.
Or that Italy has a better Olympic record than GB. For the record, GB holds the 4th best all-time Olympic medal haul, behind US, Russia and Germany.
Next you'll be telling us that Italy has more Rugby WC wins...........

ken, Sydney,

Paul Nixon in the ICC world cup to West Indian Batsman.

Not a insult but funny. Soccer AM told Nixon about a little trick which Eric Bristow (darts) used to do. Before they threw he asked them "if they breathed in or out when they threw" cue a mis-throw (most do neither but it messes the next shot up because they think about it). Nixon asked the batsmen, yep, cue a slog and then a wicket - beautiful

john, manchester, UK

Marco,

Here is my opinion:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A17292693

I am TOT80s.

I can assure you that in this country we have nothing but resepct for Italian football. Every time a tournament comes around you are very well tipped. Also, I do not know any England fan who dislikes Italy so I am unsure as to why some of your compatriots think this.

Every team you have had in my life time has been class. You are lucky that you have some great coaches out there. I was born in 1981 but since then there has been no English Sacchi, Capello, Lippi, Ancelotti etc. The closest we have had is Robson and Venables, and they are no where near the standards of the coaches I just mentioned.

At school in 1994, throughout the WC everyone was either Italy or Brazil so there is hardly a lack of respect in this country for your game (everyone wanted to be Baggio or Maldini by the way).

Anyway, David Platt did really well in Italy didnt he? Gazza was ok, Ince was good but Platt was great.

ChrisW, Lewisham,

Chris W, From Lewisham London

Chris of course I will take no offence! I am open to discussion....however I am not offended at all because Materazzi is the no.1 in this list if you read some of the comments you will see that some user literally insulted "Italian people" I engaged a discussion with you because it was interesting what you wrote that is all, I am not here to defend Materrazzi actually I had a laugh when I read it (you surely need some hmour to understand it) .....I have been living in London for a long while now and I have learned 1 or 2 things about english humour I have taken the best of the two world (Italy and UK)......you will not beleive it but I totally agree with you in the Italy like in the UK football seems to be the only existing sport....for instance I love tennis and I often play with friend of mine...Tennis is for people (I am sorry to say, I mean no offence) of a certain "elite or class" you never see racist chant or fans disorders.

Marco, london,

Marco,

I also enjoy discussing this with you so I hope that all that we have said can be taken without offence. Let me tell you though that rowing is hardly popular here but depsite this, we won something like 5 succeessive gold medals in the olympics (google Steve Redgrave) so I hardly take your point that we are poor at it. It is annoying as an Englishman that we love football so much (everything else is way behind in second) and we are a rich country yet we only produce crap teams. I can take this comment from an Englishman but when they are not English then it hurts, even if you are correct.
I think you guys missed the point, having Materazzi as no.1 should not be taken offensively, it is meant as a compliment if anything but you guys have taken it the wrong way. In no way was this a slant on Italian football. Back to 1966, 2 things: a) nobody knows if it crossed the line or mopt and b) you all forget that we scored a 4th so we would have won 3-2 anyway!

Chris W, From Lewisham- In peace!, London

The real Materazzi's offensive statement has been revealed . ("I just prefer your........sister").Now that the big mistery has been finally unbosomed and we can sleep again,is the special classification always valid?Personally I'd promote the second place.

L.Curatola, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy

For Chris W, Lewisham, London

No I am not referring to Tevez, I am referring to the so called "Agent scam" that sees Mr. Allardyce involved and many other managers of the epl, you will remenber the recent police raid in the Newcastle head office...as you know there is an investigation ongoing...from my modest point of view you will never know how big is the scandal untill thay have not finished the investigation...Chris nowdays the Italian league is poor but in the meantime is rich of Excellent Italian Coaches and young Italian players...in a way not having money is helping us to reevalute our boys...I like this...however I and many Italians have always admired the english, and in particular how you managed to clean your game which was very badly damaged by hooligans...you appreciate many things of england...as you can see we are not all the same what we do not line is generalising on something.

You sound as a humble person this is why it is a pleasure to discuss with you.

Marco, london,

for Chris W, Lewisham, London

Dear Chris, I mean no offence, but I beleive your knowledge about sports practised in Europe is rather poor.

I have never said we are the only Nation playing Volley and Basket I just stated the number of times we have won in those sports...to say that Volley and Basket are not watched is absolutelly false, ok you play cricket, rowing etc....but how many times you have won in these sport? How many WC cup final have you been playing? I do not follow rugby because I find it so violent.

However I am not here to debate who is the best between Italy and england...we rather prove that on the pitch.....and so far we have won 4 WC...whatever your crtics say...we are not interested......this is our strenght ignore the critic of a country that so far has won a single wc with an non-goal.

Marco, london,

Mrco,

Ok, you are cleaning up your game which should be applauded. All the guilty parties have been punished. No, I do not think that the EPL is clean but it is nowhere near on the same scale as serie A. I assume you are referring to the Tevez saga. It may still be ongoing in Sheffields mind but everyone else sees this as over.

Yes, Gazza was unprofessional which was a shame as he had great talent and wasted it. However, do not think for a second that he represents an accurate stereotype of an English footballer. Maybe some 20 years ago but not now.
Look, I love AC Milan and have always followed them (look at the English flag on their crest to see one of many examples of English influence on football) and in the early to mid 90s I loved your league as did most English fans. With all the great players you have and great teams true football fans find it disappointing that this happens so often in Italy. Wouldnt care if it was in Holland, France etc but your league is so good.

ChrisW, Lewisham,

For Chris W, Lewisham, London

We are cleaning our game too....in relation to the scandal...it seems that you are forgetting the recent scandal on the epl still ongoing.....do you really beleive the epl is clean? Well keep on thinking that.

Gascoigne is not one of the best example for young people watching football....his drinking lifestyle says all about the profile of this player....Don`t you think he is very unprofessional?

Marco, london,

Also, you guys go on about Heysel but we have cleaned up our game alot since then whereas you ahve gone backwards. The referee scandal, the killing of the policeman etc. Dont forget that when English fans travel abroad fans always look for them as they have the reputation. Germans, Italians and Dutch fans do things that they get away with whereas if they were English....... the heavy handed tactics of over zealous European police causes the problems. 4 WCs! How many scandals though???? 20???? Rossi? Was only top scorer due to that long break he had beforehand and its true what that manager said, ever noticed the muscle definition of the likes of Del Piero, Vialli etc. Nothing has been proved but it is obvious.

Chris W, Lewisham, London

Marco,

There are many sports played here. The ones you mention Italy being good at are harldy popular within Europe are they? Anyway, we are Rugby world champions, we also play cricket, rowing, snooker (yes, I know some will claim that this is not a sport), boxing and many more......

Volley ball? European basketball? Are you serious? Does anyone actually watch these sports in Europe? Are you the only nation that plays them?

Chris W, Lewisham, London

I don't know if it has been posted earlier but its good-

"If I had been born ugly, you wouldn't have heard of Pele."-George BEST

Awesome, Aleghan,

A Boston Bruins fan yelled this one to Bobby Clarke, the star of the visiting Philadelphia Flyers:

"Hey, Clarke. We've got a town here named after ya: Marblehead."

It sounds even better if you flatten your vowels and drop your "r's," as that Boston fan did.

Sevigne Piandarolle, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

I think one of the best sports insult was the exchange between Cesc Fabregas and Mark Hughes after the goaless draw in FA cup last season.
It was allerged while going down to the tunnel after the match, Cesc asked Mark Hughes that he heard he played for Barcelona and Mark Hughes answered yes. He then asked Mark Hughes Scarcastically if it was Barcelona way of playing Blackburn played.

Charles, London, KU

For Chris W. lewisham london

Olympic record? What are you talkink about? ?The uk has a better record than Italy are you sure?

You must have a short memory how abour the Italian volley Team (3 times world champion) or how about the Basket National team (2 times world champion) furthermore how about the foil National team (3 times world champion)..I doubt the uk has won any of the above...I forgot a little detail when was last time you won a world cup?

In the uk a part from football (which you never win) there is no other discipline or sports practised

Marco, london,

Point taken. Mayvbe Italy does have a better Olympic record than the UK. I was just struggling to think of any Italian sports stars outside of Football, Detorri and Rossi.

Chris W, Lewisham, London

1970’s Hockey fighting legend Danny Maloney to rookie opponent: “If you touch the puck I will break your arm”.

Yogi, Irvine, CA, USA

Italy and the UK fighting over their success in sports!
This is just hysterical.
Keep it coming, guys.

Al Peters, boston, usa

Mr Chris Want, here is a list of sports Italy excels at (or at least does better than England): Volleyball (multiple world and euro champions, multiple silver medalist at the Olimpics)
Basketball (twice euro champions and current silver medal at the Olimpics) Water polo (Olimpic, world and euro champions) Skiing (downhill and cross-country; multiple medals at the major events) Swimming (multiple medals at the last two Olimpic games, world and euro championships) Cycling (multiple Giro and Tour winners, and multpiple world champions) Fencing (multiple olimpic medals in team and individual events) Sailing (America's cup, round the world races, olimpic medals)
Shooting and archery (multiple olimpic medals) And the list can go on. Please go on remembering the 1966 football world cup, the 2002 rugby world cup and some rare victories in the Ashes while we keep cheating and winning medals in all other fields of sport. Ciao ciao.

Emanuele, Milano,

I' don't share some of my countrymates' over-reactions to this article. Just read the article, really nothing to start a brawl for..

Anyway I cannot avoid remarking that pointing the finger at others ("in italy there'are bribe scandals!" or similar sentences) is the typical fun of unsatisfied individuals, come on, get a life...

Marco, Venezia, Italy

"Have another doughnut, you fat pig!" From the 1988 Stanley Cup hockey playoffs, yelled by coach Jim Schoenfeld at NHL referee Don Koharski. The incident prompted a walkout by officials until the NHL suspended Schoenfeld. Apparently "Have another doughnut" is an extremely egregious insult among Canadians.

Tom, Boston, Mass

Note to Italy's sporting opponents: no need to sledge them, compliment them instead, they go nuts!

Jon, Oxford,

Wow! Some of these Italians should try being Welsh for a week; I just came back from Turkey, where I lost count of the number of times I was asked if it was true about our rumoured predilection for sheep. They always asked with a smile on their faces, and we always responded in the same way. I think it's what is sometimes referred to as having a sense of humour. Anyway, must go, Blodwyn is bleating upstairs....

Steve, Swansea,

At a pre-season meeting in the 1980's, the Essex cricket team were discussing what they had done during the winter months. Batsman Alan Lilley, not known as the sharpest pencil in the box, said that he "managed to get a job in computers" to which skipper Graham Gooch replied "What were you doing, painting 'em?"

Richard Davies, Leigh-on-Sea,

Rob from Perth, you could be right but conventional wisdom has it that it was McGrath. Brandes played against McGrath twice and Botham once. It would be a bit "pot and kettle" if Botham started accusing people of being fat!

Patrick Kidd, London,

I guess that some italians have missed the "subtle" english humour...even though at the same time the english have proven again their jealosuy for italian football in thier comments.
By the way; someone said what other sports are italian good at?
Sorry to disappoint you, but italians are way above the english in medals won in the olympics (both winter and summer) and this should already suffice (since together with football they are the biggest sport events).
Then let me point some more out: volleyball (3 world cups in a row), motorbikes (no history here), basketball (eurpean champions 6 years ago, silver medalist in Athens 2004), water polo (pluri world champions), baseball (pluri euopean champions), sailing (won twice LV cup), fencing, any winter sport, swimming...should I continue?

Andy, Lyon, France

Eddo Brandes. Legend.

Darren Gallagher, Middlesbrough, Teesside

Football is all right as a game for rough girls but is hardly suitable for sensitive French boys.

Andrea, London,

As far as I am aware the Eddo Brandes comment was to Ian Botham, I dont think McGrath ever played against the guy.

Rob, Perth, WA

Best is surely Steve Waugh to Herschel Gibbs in the 1999 World Cup:
"You just dropped the World Cup."

dom, london,

One of my favourites was when Frank Worthington (Bolton W) did THAT keepy-uppy, flicked it over his head, turned and volleyed it into the net. He put his arm round the centre halfs shoulder, pointed to the stand and said " Terry (Butcher), you'd have had a much better view of that from up there!"

Number 6, Wrexham, Wales

I am 100% Italian and I consider Materazzi a normal/mediocre player with a great phisical strength and a bad attitude.....which sometimes can be good (the insult for instance)...but not an example to follow...
Anyway....I am a juventus supporter and I know zidane too. He used his head is several matches and in a similar way (even in the champions league).And I adore Zizou.
So for me that reaction was not such a surprise. Everybody knows (in Italy ) what MarcoMaterazzi said:
MM was marking ZZ
Zidane: If you want my shirt I can give it to you after the match
Materazzi: I prefer when your sister gives me hers (shirt)
and Kabooom :)

Daniel, Terni, Italy

Favourite sledging (not quite an insult). Flintoff to Tino Best the last time the WI toured. Best had just taken a wild swipe at a spinner (I think) aiming somewhere over mid wicket. Flintoff at slip called out "mind the windows tino". Best tried again the next ball and got clean bowled. Classic.

Fras, Edinburgh,

"Howard Cosell was gonna be a boxer when he was a kid—only they couldn't find a mouthpiece big enough."
—joking about the longtime ABC-TV boxing broadcaster (1974)

Travis, Louisville, Kentucky

Mr Chris Want

Italy has a very long standing tradition of sporting excellence. Apart from the often mentioned World Cup current scoreline of 4-1, an analysis of the greatest arbiter of sporting success would certainly cement Italy as a more successful nation than England / Great Britain. The Olympic Games is the single most influential sporting event in the world calandar and there is an objective measure of success across the widest possible spectrum of sports and that's the medals table.

Italy has in fact come out higher than Great Britain in every Olympic Games since 1976, collecting a grand total of 70 gold medals against GB's 42. Mr Want's reaction is just another example of perceived supremacy without resorting to the facts and highlights why any Italian who gives a monkey's about his country's and its sport is fed up with prejudiced English journalism and public perception. Yes, Italy has its flaws but a balanced and fair representation still seems a long way away.

Sandro, London,

Barracker on the hill at the Sydney Cricket Ground to hapless English batsman who was continuing to play & miss.

Quote: " Bowl him a grand piano and see if he can play that"

warren, Tamworth, NSW Australia

Shelby Metcalff, former basketball coach at Texas A&M, recounting what he told a player who received four F's and one D: "Son, looks to me like you're spending too much time on one subject." Former (American) football coach Bum Phillips, asked by a reporter why he takes his wife on all the road trips: "Because she is too damn ugly to kiss good-bye." Basketball player Shaquille O'Neal on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece: "I can't really remember the names of the clubs that we went to." Basketball player Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway, discussing his ball-handling skills and explaining that he was equally comfortable dribbling with either hand: "I'm amphibious."

Pete Clark, Annapolis, Maryland

American football is a game where the men are men & the women are double-breasted! Not like soccer where the men are women and the sheep are scared!

Marco, buttercup, CA

Listen Italians. Your team has obviously been more successfull than England over the years. That is not in dispute. However, dont start acting like you are the masters. Least we forget, 2 of your WC victories were in the 30's! Yes, you are better than England but there is not much in it. Do you think you would beat us 5-0 or something? Dont be silly.

Italians seem to love their country more than their clubs, or at least as much. In England, we tend to like our club team more than the national side, supporters of small clubs excepted. We are always taught that stereotypes are never accurate but you guys flying off the handle suggests that some of you have fiery tempers, reverting to stereotype.

Anyway, at least we have had success in a few sports, not just one.

Name me any other sport that Italy are good at? I have never seen an Italian boxer, a decent athlete, dont even get me started on Rugby. What other sports do you guys play or are good at?

Chris Want, Lewisham, London

Whatever, Italy are World Champions; Milan are European Champions (against an English Squad in the final) ....... that is what speaks volumes.....! As to chips on the shoulder ..... its probably the Brits who have huge boulders watching the Italian success. Stop taking yourselves so seriously... pathectic.

Louis, Valletta, Malta

"Keegan is not fit to lace George Best's drinks."
John Roberts

Michael O'Reilly, Walsall, England

we won that`s what matters and you are all jealous.
I`m sorry, come back in 4 years

nicola, new york, ny

Everythink everyone can say...violence is not the answer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If Materazzi have the greatest insult,Zidane have the worse reaction.He can't be classificated like a player but like a beats.

Diego, Como, Italy

After Wales' 1991 Rugby World Cup humilating defeat to Western Samoa "Thank heavens Wales weren't playing the whole of Samoa"

D Pugh Williams, Cowbridge, Wales

There was an incident a few years ago where Roy Keane punched Alan Shearer. Keane had handed Shearer the ball before a free kick and Shearer apparantly said: "Would you like me to sign that for you, son?"

Nick, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK

I always liked one of Cruyffs famous quirky remarks: 'if I wanted you to understand then I would have explained it better'.

Chris W, Lewisham, London

I honestly cannot understand this reaction from Italian supporters - it is quite an honour for Materazzi to be listed at number 1, his insult was definitely one of the most effective ones ever and actually helped his team to win the World Cup, when they frankly did not even deserve to qualify ahead of Australia.

James Muscat Azzopardi, Swieqi , Malta

The great umpire, Alex Skelding, who according to legend couldn't see too well, replied to a batsman who had been given out lbw and asked where Skelding's guide dog was; "Got rid of him for yapping, same as I'm getting rid of thee."

Tony Brown, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

I can't remember who said it, but the English Football Manager, who said of an incompetent referee 'if he was on fire, I'd call 998'. Beautiful and succinct. Or the legendary John Lambie of Prtick Thistle when told by the trainer one of his players was so concussed he didn't know who he was, responded 'tell him he's Pele' and sent him back on.

Neil, Glasgow,

What Materazzi actually said to Zidane was "Sven says you're good enough to play for England."

Scott Beaton, Manchester,

Materazza, who looks like a waiter at a second-rate restaurant, certainly takes the pizza!

Ramanava Sengupta, Kolkata, India

Simon from Worcester

Italy would have lost if Zidane were still on the field. Firstly the game was well into extra time and secondly Italy had actually already scored a goal, Toni header, that was incorrectly ruled for offside. Perhaps Italy received what they deserved...a win. Besides France were carried to the final by Zidane. Italy had consistenly top performers, Cannavaro, Buffon, Grosso, Zambrotta, Gattuso & MOM Pirlo......I don't think you know what you are talking about and who needs England's substandard footballing respect.

Andrew , Salisbury, UK

I had two minds as to whether the Eddo Brandes comment was indeed true or just urban legend... very happy to see it at no.2!! classic.

Mic, London,

stop your whinging Italy, Flavio from London you bemoan what Bush and Blair blurted out, but remember that surgery enhanced Plastic Minister of your own Berlusconi, spun a web of lies and deceit as well standing next to the other muppets on the world stage, if this was a political list we could easily have Plastic Silvo running from 50th to 1st.
Once again British humour drop kicks Italian slap stick spaghetti humour into touch.
Oh and we wont mention the match fixing scandals of your nation league. We will wait for the top 50 dodgy corrupt football teams..

Mike, Barcelona, Spain

"Rick Cerone is to catching what Thurman Munson was to aviation."

- Bill James, American baseball researcher.

(Thurman Munson was the captain of the New York Yankees in the 1970s as well as an amateur pilot; Munson was killed in a crash while practicing takeoffs and landings in 1979.)

Jim, New Jersey, USA

We have 4 WCs bla bla bla. Change the record. At least our top clubs dont cheat to get decisions go their way. No wonder you won in ;82. Rossi had a nice long break before the tournament due to yet another corruption scandal in Italian football. Yes yes, 4 WCs. Wow. That has nothing to do with this list and please Italians, only write on here in English if you can actually do so.

I dont understand: you hate our papers so much yet insist on reading them andmaking comments? We can of course assume that Italian papers are always fair and have a balanced view of the rest of the world.

We could go off subject and compare our contributions to the worlds of science, music, the performing arts etc but that would be like Brazil against American Samoa! Every Italian argument just says '4 WCs. This means we are all right and you guys are always wrong'.

Suprised your players didnt change sides at half time lol

Chris Want, Lewisham, London

I think its fitting Italy won the World Cup, it briefly took their fans minds off the shameful situation in their domestic game.

Pod, Spalding,

BTW Mr Kidd, you should thanks Gazzetta dello Sport website for being among the top 5 commented post. All Italians get here after reading there:
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Altro_Calcio/Primo_Piano/2007/08_Agosto/02/insulti_0208.shtml

They keep an eye on you ; )

Regards.

Angelo, Bari, Italy

To Patrick Kidd, the author.
You said: it cost France the World Cup, arguably, which is why I have put it at No 1 as no other insult has had greater effect. Who cares what was actually said!

...then tell me why Maradona's goal, which costed England kick-out of the cup, was not in the list of 50 top goals of history for importance?
I'm not talking of the Hand of God, but of the goal that was voted the most skilful in the history of the game.

Your explanation sound a bit leaky, with all respects.

Angelo, Bari, Italy

For Tom, Melbourne, VIC

Still sad for Totti's penalty man?
Make a reason out of it!
I'm sorry for you, but would have been a shame to leave to stage to a team who lost to IRAQ!
Try it again!

Angelo, Bari, Italy

I can't understand how the greatest insult can be something nobody has ever heard... it's a real contradiction...it's as if I said I'm the fastest runner in the world but wouldn't show where my cronometer stopped...I guess you chose this "insult" just becasue it was so talked about last year...just for its popularity...

Nemo, Newtown,

Thats the best entertainment I have had in ages! I read every on of the comments with a couple of glasses of Spanish Peralda cava brut (anniversary). Wifes cooking, I'm having a laugh - thanks to you all!!!!

Scottish rugby supporter, Perth, Scotland (for the Italians, just above England )

Australian friends:

I'm sorry but I don't see "angry Italians" in here, only people trying to express their disapproval about a very bad example of journalism (let's call it that way).
Italy took home the World Cup and the Champions league (AC Milan) this year. Yet, people find something to complain about. However, we are so open-minded that we will accept lessons on football and fairplay from anyone.

Please Prof Kidd, give us another pearl of wisdom: tell us which are the 50 greatest roundabouts in UK.

Costantino, Cardiff, Wales

"I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous'", Voltaire.

Luther Blissett was a very good English striker in the 80s. He scored lots of goals in the Premiere League for Watford. When he moved to Italy, he collected some months of deplorable performances, but was very useful for a collective of italian writers who started to use his name to sign their books. They’re good books, all translated in English and I strongly suggest you guys to read them (lutherblissettproject, I’m sure you canf find it on the web).

Biagio, Reggio Emilia,

To the people that are upset at Materazzi being at No1. The title of the article is 'The 50 'GREATEST' sporting insults.

That word, 'GREATEST' implies the writer is praising Materazzi.

So what's your problem???

Paul, Manchester, England

WOW! I never realised that so many Italians on here are lacking a sense of humour!

How many times have we British had a joke and a laugh at our own sportsmen and women.

I am not upset that you won the worldcup, and I am glad you did, and of course England have only the 1 victory in the final....who cares.

England do not have a great soccer team, but I still find it funny.

Relax and calm down. It's only a joke.

Although I do admit that first place for a quote that we don't even know if stupid.

Marc Gibbons, Wellingborough, England

Bestiality? At Heysel? How did the cameras miss that? Surely the animals abused should come forward and name names?
(Or Argentinians with a very limited understanding of English and it's vocabulary should not try to be clever)

Steve, London, UK

How can Materazzi be no.1 if you dont know what he said. Is winding people up not part of the game any more? As for Mike Arsolo's comments animals can be seen in the zoo and dont score a goal and a penalty in a world cup final.
And by the way the Italians he knows are the people in the dolmio advert and gino ginelli.

Gian De Leonardis, Bedford, beds

During the infamous cricket “Bodyline” Test series between England and Australia, the English captain, Jardine, complained to the former Australian captain, Victor Richardson, that one player had called him “a Pommy b******d”. Richardson summoned the Australian team and in front of Jardine asked: “All right, which of you b*****ds called this b*****d a b******d?”

Mike, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon

May I? Here is an Italian with sense of humour...Materazzi deserved the first position in this chart! The greatest and by far the most effective insult of all times. Don't need to be touchy, has this anything to do that I used to live in the UK for a while? PS Sometimes Italian football is not that boring, i.e. Milan-Liverpool 2005 :-), Italy-Germany 2006 and many other games

Fabrizio, Milan, Italy

to Simon, Worcester, England:

"The weak ones are there to justify the strong."

66 all over again my a**e, London,

I am Brasilian, in Brasil we have great respect fro Italian and Spanish footbal, on the other hand we do not consider england a football nation.

We just do not like the style of english football, we beleive you are too physical and lack of the most basic techinique.

No offence But the like of Brasil, France, Italy and Spain are definitelly unreacheable for you.

Carlos, Brasilia,

When Fiery Fred bowled a posh "gentleman" batsman, the posh bloke said "Jolly good ball." Fred responded with "Aye, but it were ruddy well wasted on thee."
Class.

Richard Martin, Sheffield,

Surely Fergie's rant at Wenger should be up there when he said he doesn't have any experience in English football and should keep his mouth shut, after Wenger had complained about fixtures.

Mike, Oldham,

I think that the Italians have missed the point. In English the "greatest Sporting insult" means the best insult in sport.

Stop being so pathetic and protective about a) your country, b) the fact you won the World Cup, and c) the utterly terrible player Matterazzi.

We're not jealous about you football where cheating, bribes and boring football is prevalent. Lighten up Italy.

Great retort in 34.

Drew, Hong Kong,

And who was it who said of a footballer "he couldn't trap a ball if he dug a hole and covered it with sticks"?

Mark, London,

englishmen, do you remember Heysel tragedy (an example of the british sense of racialism and bestiality)?

That is the greatest sporting insult!

Fernando, Rosario, Argentina

Materazzi is, and has been for a long time, a disgrace to football. No, Zidane should not have reacted that way, but I personally would like to cuff Marco around the ear. He is an animal - dirty, unsportsmanlike and over-aggressive. I know several Italians who agree.

Mike, Øslo,

Being an American who loves football, but can't stand American football, I loved the insult in #42.

Bill, Baltimore, USA/Maryland

I'm surprised you didn't include the Glenn McGrath-Ramnaresh Sarwan spat during a cricket match in the West Indies. McGrath made a vulgar comment to Sarwan regarding Lara's you-know-what, but it backfired spectacularly when Sarwan made McGrath's wife the butt of the joke. McGrath, whose wife was sick at the time, became incensed (hypocritically so) and then had to watch Sarwan score a century. Hilarious.

SK, Nassau,

Wow, some people on here really should lighten up. This is a well researched amusing piece with a controversial but entertaining denouement designed to lightly titillate those national sensitivities the mainly Italian contributors are displaying here.

It's not an attack on the Italian people.... Their creaky infrastructure or corrupt plutocrats.....

see that was a j-o-k-e.

Cham Pinbit, San Francsico, USA

Materazzi behaved badly.... But actually Zidane's reaction should have been number one in your list. His reaction was not a new facet of his behavior on the football field. Moreover, his reaction left a heritage of violence to the young people who idolized his prowess as a player.

A. Santosuosso, London, Ontario, Canada

I agree with Melbourne Dave, I watch that match against the Aussies and they deserved to win it. I was disgusted by the way the Itallian players flounced, pranced and generally fannied there way around the pitch, falling over when as much as a gnats fart happened near them.

I just wished that the England players had put as much drive, passion and soul into thier playing. Although Zidanes action was a touch OTT it was nice to see one of them actually go down for a real reason, as opposed to the usual displays from these prima-donna, mommy's boys.

Marty, Birmingham, Uk

I love the way all the Anglo-Saxons think they're magnanimous, gracious, fair-minded and modest, and everything Johnny Foreigner isn't. Backing a failure of a team doesn't automatically confer those qualities on everyone, sadly.

Katy, London, England

Why have most of our Italian readers missed the point? I wasn't criticising Materazzi remotely in writing this list. Good on him for annoying Zidane so much with whatever he said (and yes, I don't think it actually matters because the reaction was the important thing). Materazzi's insult caused Zidane to lose his head, get sent off and as a result France lost the World Cup. It was therefore the most effective insult on the list.

Patrick Kidd, London, England

"Dont worry, we are on May 60, and the workers of the club on April 90". Just genius, Mauricio Donoso answers if the players of Universidad de Chile have already been paid.

Javier, Santiago, Chile

you don't know what he said and you vote 4 materazzi at 1st place.... congratulations! u're journalist?... u're paparazzi!!! campioni del mondo... sorry, world champions!

dj enzo, cannes, france

Final of the World Cup, guys!!! Watched by everyone on the planet..that's why it is n.1...other than that, as others said, pretty tame stuff and "used" every day by football players worldwide.....

Alessandro, Geneva, Switzerland

I love the predictable reaction of most Italian readers and parts of the Italian press. Fantastic entertainment! Speaks volumes...

John, Malta,

How about Roy Keane's recent "compliment" of his Sunderland defender, Nyron Nosworthy:

"Now that Nos has switched to centre-back, he's got much less time on the ball. Which is best for all concerned".

Owen, Dublin, Ireland

I agree, guys... Materazzi is always a number 1, top of the list, no matter what... Grande Marco!!!

Sepiblack, Brussels, Belgium

Yes, well done Flavio. This is the sports page. Lighten up.

'Italy deserved to win the World Cup'. I've been saying that for the past year, on and off. Do I sound envious?

David Harrison, Manchester , UK

Does anyone in Italy NOT have an enormous chip on their shoulder ?

Guys - You have 4 World Cups - well done - However everyone in the word would rather watch a wall of paint dry than watch the azzuri grind out a result.

Collect your toys up and DON"T READ IT IF IT OFFENDS YOU.

Tom, Melbourne, VIC

MATERAZZI is the player everyone would like to have in his own team. Strong, rude, sharp, tall, quick, proud, a mix of real ancient english spirit - dutch - anglosaxon body, italian experience and other. We italians can't understand why you hate Materazzi much more than Americans hated black people working in Kentucky fields as slaves. He plays, he tries to do the best and he played a great tournament last year. Please stop to tell that Materazzi did....Look at what Zidane did...he is against fair play, is at opposite of sport style and philosophy, he made a big mistake. And you still keep on saying about Materazzi...Do you want to begin to speak with turned on brain? or continue to say that Italy is 4 time world champions and we are the best or between the best and english and french not? because numbers say this...Ciao ciao

Edmondo, Isernia, Italia

Steve Waugh to an English batsman in the Ashes: "Hey mate there's some **** stuck to the end of your bat.......no, no, the other end"

John, Leeds, UK

This list is just a bit of fun and there are plenty of other well known insults that could be added. But for some reason there are so many comments here bashing England - why? Just read and have a laugh - add your own favourites if you want, and get over yourselves.

Andrew, Cape Town,

Can't remember who they were playing but a foolish batsmen turned to Merv Hughes and told him he looked like a fat bus conductor.

Big Merv then bowled him next ball and ran up the wicket calling out 'tickets please!'.

Classic.

Imelda, London,

Jeez, lighten up will you?

It's just a bit of fun, like the 'Most Important Goals' one. You're not meant to take it all so SERIOUSLY.

BTW, 'most important' and 'best' do NOT mean the same thing.

rnc, Haywards Heath,

Have to say, I think the funniest insult is posted "Matt" about George Best on Carlton Palmer!! That is Hilarious!!!!!

As for the Italians getting all shirty, yeah you have had some world cups, must notably 1982. But I suppose you have to compensate for your pop charts and music. The music you make in Italy is the worst in the world and that is saying someting.

Maybe Materazzi sung at Zidane, that would make anyone want to headbutt the source!! Now lighten up!! Especially the idiot who thinks people on here are pro Bush and Blair. Tut.

Nick Cooke, Manchester, UK

chris , mallorca, spain

Señor, until you start to understand and appreciate the British sense of humour and irony, I would suggest you desist from reading British newspapers. You're only making yourself look daft.

N Butler, London, UK

All the Italian comments make me laugh, I really don't think you grasp why the zidane incident is number 1.
Or the fact that all these lists are a matter of opinion.
Or the fact that we really don't care how many times you've won the world cup.You are still nothing on brazil, they are actually respected here.
This article has nothing to do with the football, the point is, you would have so blatently lost if zidane had stayed on the pitch.

Simon, Worcester, England

For the Aussie fans of football:

you're so comic!! What do you know about football apart that there's a ball and that needs to be kicking?? Ahahahah...I remember very well this action...We were 10 against 11...and your team NEVER shooted, Buffon has sleeped for the entire match. Come back on your cangaroos...and your australian soccer. 4 times World Champions!! FORZA AZZURRI!!!

Giangio, Roma, Italy

Just Not, the story goes that he was bowled and replaced the bails as he said those words.

Jez, Solihull, England

Mohammed Ali may or may not have made the moldy bread comment, but the line is attributed to the great American black comedian, Nipsey Russel, who told most of his jokes in rhyme. The original short poem went something like this:

"Go to college,
get all the knowledge,
stay there until you are through.

If they can make penicillin out of moldy old cheese,
they can sure make something out of you!"

David B. Phillips, New York, NY

Regarding the World Cup match between Australia and Italy. Italy were one man down for half that game, and Australia didn't get close to scoring. Time to move on.

Paul, London, UK

Message to Eree of Dubrovnik: yes, Belgrade is in Serbia, but Hristov was a Macedonia player. He wsa presumably using Belgrade as his comparison with Barnsley because he had played at Partizan Belgrade.

Patrick Kidd, London, England

Wow the Italians get a bit sensitive about the whole Materazzi, Zizou thing?Maybe it's because they shouldn't have even been in the final, they really shouldn't have even betean Aussie, all thanks to a late disgusting dive (hard for a South African to say about Aussie but they were better than Italy that game at the world cup) Grow up boys from pizza land, it's sport, insults and a bit of rough stuff are part of it, if you're dumb enough to get caught, that's your fault but if you can get away with it, all the more power too you.Stop having a go at England, at least they can see the light side of it. Why don't you guys learn to play a man's sport, get the grease and hair gel out of it and stop acting like girls!

Cammo, Durban, South Africa

To all the Italians,
Get a sense of humour. I know you are a delicate nation who find staying on your feet tough but wow , what a reation.He's not insulting Matterazzi. He is implying by the reaction of Zidane that it must have been the mother of all sledges. If he were trying to wind you up he would have said that you dived your way to the last world cup.

We were robbed, Sydney,

Wow alot of angry Italians who have totally misunderstood that matterazzi being at no.1 is rather a compliment not a bad thing. As the author said the comment made zidane lose it so badly that he got sent off and lost france the world cup. Even freds remark to tino best cant compare with that. You italians ought to calm down, maybe its the cultural difference showing through. Trust me there was no disrespect intended in the journo putting matterazzi at no.1.

Russell, london,

Am I the only one who is finding the Italian responses funnier than the original article???

Russell, Benfleet, England

No Brian Clough comments?

About one of his own players - "Speed of a race horse, work rate of a shire horse, brains of a rocking horse!"

Someone else said, "He can trap the ball further than I can kick it"

Michael D, Chorley,

I love the way that every Italian rushes in to defend the honour of Italian football.

Is it true that the Italian football team are 100 to 1 on favoutites to win the diving gold medal in the Beijing Olympics ? Anyone who saw the game Italy v Australia in the last world would think that these odds are too low. Italy should be 1000 to 1 on.

Dave, Melbourne, Australia

Freddie Truman after having several LBW appeals turned down, bowled the batsman out middle stump.
Turned to the Umpire and said "Nearly got him that time"
WG Grace given out LBW after only a couple of mins at the Wicket. He waved his bat at the huge crowd who had come to see him and said. " I am not out. The crowd has come to see me bat not to see you umpire" He then proceeded to carry on batting.

Peter Bolt, Redditch, UK

Merv Hughes was bowling to Hansie Cronje during a tour game in South Africa. It was an especially flat wicket and Cronje was hitting Hughes for fours and sixes all over the place.

After the umpteenth boundary, Hughes headed down the pitch, stood near Cronje, let out a fart and said: "Try hitting that for six." It was five minutes before the guffawing stopped and play could resume.


ALSO WG Grace was given out leg-before. He refused to walk and told the bowler: "They came to watch me bat, not you bowl". And the innings continued.

just not cricket, sydney, Australia

p.s. to those of you who don't like our journalism, don't read English papers. It's a seasy as that.

Drew, Hong Kong,

16) -belgrade is in serbia not macedonia - you've mixed up countries guys

eree, dubrovnik,

Bit sensitive about Materazzi aren't we?

You'd think being winners of the FIFA 2006 World Cup Diving Competition would have cheered you up.

Luke O, Berridale, Australia

Dear Sirs,
I would really appreciate it, if you also listed the 50 worst behaviours of sportsmen. In that case, I would expect to find Mr. Zidane's headbutt hitting the top. Yours faithfully

Nemo, Newtown,

It is very sad that Zidane is almost like a hero for doing that very shameful and not at all sportsmanlike headbutt. Who cares what Materazzi said? That is not the point!!! Like Z had not heard it a thousand times! Oh, please!

Bence, Budapest,

I definetely agree with no. 1 position. Even if Italian, I do not understand how Materazzi is still left to touch football courts. I recently listened to a a TV interview where he did not confessed what he said (coward b*****d!) but just said " In that moment we were suffering and I thought we had to stop it some way! "
Anyway, you can't say Emiliano from Rome is wrong!

VINCENZO, TRIEST,

Another disaster, after those 50 goals that changed the story of football! The best goal is a goal that was never scored and the best insult is materazzi' against zidane. No one knows what happened, but you should know that zidane did that not for the first time: you might think that whatever you say to him, you will get something back. But probably yesterday you had too many pints, as usual for Brits. You are good in talking, but when it comes to results...zero!!! You must feel sorry, since you won just one world cup (not deserved) and few champions league. Greetings from the world and europe champions...

Mauro, Delft, Netherlands

How about Daryl Cullinan (I think!) to Shane "The Waistline" Warne":
WARNE: I've been waiting two years to get you out.
CULLINAN: Yeah, and it looks like you spent most of it eating.

efor, Edinburgh,

best score : didnt pass the line ... champion!
best insult : didn heard?
where do you live?

don t know much about soccer, however england will probably never win any WC ever .....hihihi!!!

chris , mallorca, spain

Would liked to have seen Martina Hingis' comment on Novotna- "she's old and slow", after they ended their doubles partnership...classic Swiss Miss.

Mr Indy, W Yorks,

If you are going to put the Materazzi-Zidane incident at number 1, surely it should be the other way round - "Zidane's headbutting of Materazzi", rather than "Whatever Marco Materazzi said about Zinedine Zidane’s sister ". ZZ's offensive and disgustingly violent action should top any ranking of sporting insults.

Anthony Oliver, London, UK

So there is no truth in the rumour that Matterazzi asked Zidane whether he'd signed his contract for Sunderland yet?

Love the Eddo Brandes comment though...

Ian Blanchard, St Albans, UK

in england is the beatles time's that not win a world cup...because not speak of this argoment? italy four champion world cup and england...one..lose lose lose...england giornalist very arrogant ...sorry but the england people not can speak of calcio because not never win in the story of calcio..silence please....

luca, roma, italia

Jimmy Greaves talking about Emile Heskey

His first touch is to control the ball,
His second touch is a slide tackle,
To try and keep the ball in !

TonyOz, Bournemouth,

Oscar Wilde's comment is obviously the best! ah aha ha

Bartholomew, Cagliari,

What a wonderful example of intellectual arrogance: to rate world's ever best something that "no one is quite sure" about..
I just remind you that Mr zizou, undoubtedly a first class player, has in his palmares a wide collection of red cards for an unappropriate use of his head, legs, arms and knees.

matrix, milano,

I'm an italian living abroad... and I think you're right with Materazzi: actually, I believe it was a correct choice with a good sense of humour. Obviously my fellow citizens in Italy have no sense of humour...Materazzi was bad but Zidane was really really stupid...he should have done like Michael Jordan usually was used to when somebody was insulting him on the court: scoring 40 points (at least) and then pat him on the shoulder: nice game...

Stefano Grazia, Luanda, Angola

You might have forgotten: a) the football player Kientz (24 Oct '00, Juventus vs HSV). Nobody knows what he said, but Zidane headbettud him on his face.
b) the football player Fuad Amin (18 June '98, France vs Saudi Arabia). Nobody knows what he said, maybe something Zidane's cousin or aunt, but Zidane walked over him and was sent off. Best regards.

Alessandro Montanari, Hamburg, Germany

Are you still angry because Italy has been World Champion for the 4th time???
Ahahah...TUTTI PAZZI PER MATERAZZI!!!

claudio, MILANO,

Jeoff Boycot at the begining of Sri Lanka tour of England in 2006 said, "even if you combine Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh together, you can not make a decent cricket team"

Sri lanka level the 3 test series (1-1) and went in to black wash England 5-0 in ODI games.

Lalith Chandrakantha, Northampton, United Kingdom

"to his southern Italian face"

Marco's parents are from Sardegna. He was born in Lecce because his father was playing for the Lecce football team. Sardegna is not, technically, southern Italy.

Alfredo, Pisa, Italy

Ref Tommy'the joke' Docherty's comment (no. 28).

Who won more trophies, Docherty or Amoruso? Who scored more goals, Docherty or Amoruso?

John Kent, Glasgow,

Come you Italians lighten up.

I for one found the list highly entertaining!

Esp. no.23 abt Seaman and no. 6 the comeback deserves 10/10

Davis, Brussels, Belgium

for a "civilized" sport like cricket ,thet seem to have some of the best comments

jim dalziel, burlington ontario, canada

Ya all are so ridiculous...and I think pretty envious, too

Antonio, Rome, Italy

Poor thing... Materazzi is the champion of the world, zidane is known for two reasons, 1) being a great player, 2) giving headbutts.

Mario, Napoli, Italy

Here the usual english envy against italian football, we are the 4 times world champions, respect us...This is the same journal that forgot maradona's goal against england in 86...

Luca, Napoli, Italy

The scene of Francesco Totti after beating the Juventus 4-0, mimicking 4 with hand, silence, and go home!!

Pierluigi Fracasso, Roma, Italy

Just what I needed, a good laugh. Tha.

Riccardo, Canelli - Italy

riccardo, canelli, italy

what about what Poulsen said to Totti during the European to cause the Lama reaction?

L, Amsterdam, Netherland

I think some people have missed the point with me selecting Materazzi's "comments" at No 1. I'm not being critical of Materazzi - or anti-Italy - in the slightest. Good luck to him - the one at fault was Zidane for his reaction not Materazzi for what he said. And it cost France the World Cup, arguably, which is why I have put it at No 1 as no other insult has had greater effect. Who cares what was actually said!

Patrick Kidd, London,

Marco Materazzi at No.1? You're having a laugh, surely! No one even knows what he said to Zidane! Perhaps the Frenchman thought headbutting the Italian would increase sales of his forthcoming autobiography!
We'll soon find out what was said!

Giorgio, Dundee,

yet another masterpiece of British journalism!

It's pretty well known what Materazzi said to Zidane (:

'We both spoke and I wasn't the first. I held his shirt but don't you think it is a provocation to say that 'if you want my shirt I will give it you afterwards'?
'I replied to Zidane that I would prefer his sister, that is true. I brought up his sister and that wasn't a nice thing, that is true,' said Materazzi

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=378084&cc=5901

Giovanni, San Francisco, CA, USA

Flavio, if you don't like it go home. At least there you can keep changing sides....!!!!!!!!!!!!

phil bradford, torquay,

guys ..please...

It's incredible...if you were italian like me you would understand very well what materazzi said by reading the movement of his lips....offences regarding zidane's sister...and so?? don't tell me that it is not nourmal that during the matches players insult and get insulted....materzzi didn't do a good thing sure...but zidane was shaming

Campioni del Mondo!!! (world champions)

Davide Bruno, Torino, Italy

Just before an American football title game, "Hollywood" Henderson of Dallas said this about Terry Bradshaw, the supposedly dimwitted quarterback for Pittsburgh: "He couldn't spell 'cat' if you spotted him the 'c' and the 'a.'"

JD, New Haven, USA

Here he has just #35 and #22 but collecting his sentences you could write a book of colourful insults... WE ALL MISS JOHN McENROE!!!

Fabrizio Fazzino, Siracusa, Italy

I am just another "southern italian face" (as another reader racially defines Materazzi).
And I believe that the real insult is putting at the first place of this list an insult that NOBODY has even heard.
And nobody cared to wonder what Poulsen had said to Totti when the Italian player reacted spitting at him.
Nobody condemned Poulsen's provocation, but only Totti's horrible reaction.
And apparently a lot of people condemn without any doubt Materazzi, justifying Zidane for his horrible reaction.
It's even too obvious that this is not fair.

emiliano, rome, italy

Re - Michael from Brisbane.

In answer to your question, and by Steve Waugh's own admission, it's because he never said it!

Martin, Bridgend,

What about some of Shankly's famous putdowns, surely they should be in the top 50

Rich, Cheshire, England

Perhaps Materazzi just said : "ZIdane"!!!!

Alex, Rome, Italy

Some good ones, but there's another Carlton Palmer-inspired remark that's a bit better than #9 - reputedly attributable to George Best: "he's an amazing player; he can trap the ball further than I can kick it".

Matt, London,

I don't wanto to sound offensive, but after the funny list of 50 most important goals in football history (an ode to nationalism, with the total absence of any Argentinian goal, including Maradona, and the mysterious presence of several goals scored - of course - by Bristish players), the Times strikes back with a list where the first place has been given to an insult that nobody knows.
Funny, huh?
Especially when you think that when Poulsen got spat in his face by Totti, the Times and every other newspaper or magazine literally jumped to Totti's neck, without even wanting to consider the insults he received beforehand.
So, one day you say the bad guy is the one that reacts, while the provoker was only "smart".
And one day you say the bad guy is the one that provokes, while the one that reacts is "understandably angry".
Oh, both are Italians. What a strange coincidence!
Maybe all England needs is a World Cup victory, and then we will not have to read all these ridiculous lists.

emiliano, rome, italy

The list is highly subjective indeed.

Since we don't know what was said IMHO the Materazzi-Zidane incident does not belong in here. This has nothing to do with the insult. It is about how much the author dislikes Materazzi and likes Zidane. Had the exact same thing happened the other way round it would have been "typical Materazzi" and "no way Zidane could have said anything so offensive as to justify such a reaction" and it would be not in this list.

Nr. 48(!) is telling a linesman that he is the "son of a whore". Oh... but wait a minute... that was David Beckham. Not so bad then...

Shame, I quite enjoyed the rest of the list.

Renato, Teufen, Switzerland

Unbelievable! Unbelievable! Materazzi at 1st place??? But nobody knows what he said!! Remember...ITALY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD 2006!!!! Respect!! Matrix 4ever!!!

Paolo, Milano, Italy

"Mind the windows, Tino" from Flintoff to Tino Best should have made it. If only for the schoolboy sniggering that followed from the England team when Best duly lost his wicket trying to hit the ball into the stands.

Mike, Guildford,

I think the worst insult ever is your Prime Minister and his friend in the US bombing and killing around the world in the name of "Weapons of mass destructions" which never existed.
Also ... your envy for other World Cup winning countires is so obvious.... Go England... "Another 3 years, boys"!

Flavio Stellini, London, UK

Materazzi rulez!!! :))

Andrea, Modena, Italy

Crazy first place given to Materazzi. Is this journalism? I thought journalists should only mention real facts and not speculations. One fact, for example, is that England won 1 world cup only

Odi, Walton, United Kingdom

"There are two teams out there today, but only one of them is playing cricket."
Bill Woodfull to England manager Pelham Warner on the bodyline series.

Damian, London, UK