Zinedine Zidane's head-butt into the chest of Marco Materazzi led to the Frenchman's sending off shortly before full-time in the July 9 final won by Italy 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time.

Italy only drew 1-1 with Lithuania in their first Euro 2008 Group B qualifier on Saturday though France beat Georgia 3-0 the same day.

"I have never been afraid before a football match in my 27-year career and I have been officiating at a high level since 1989," Handel told Monday's edition of bi-weekly football magazine Kicker.

"What has happened before is of no concern to me," added 42-year-old Handel, referring to the head-butt of the now-retired Zidane. Materazzi will also miss the game as he is serving the second match of a two-match suspension following the incident.

"Generally speaking, the teams are starting with a clean slate," Handel added. "I am well aware of the psychological and physical backdrop to this fixture."

Handel refereed the 2006 UEFA Cup final between Sevilla and Middlesbrough but did not officiate at the World Cup in Germany during the summer.

"Of course I expect an explosive encounter but above all I am looking forward to refereeing a classic European football match between two great teams who know how to play fairly," Handel continued.