BERLIN, July 9 (Reuters) - Italy won the World Cup for the fourth time on Sunday when they beat France 5-3 on penalties after the teams finished level at 1-1 in a dramatic final that saw French captain Zinedine Zidane sent off in extra time.

After David Trezeguet hit the bar with his spot kick the Italians kept their nerve to end their penalties curse with fullback Fabio Grosso converting the fifth and decisive kick.

Zidane, who opened the scoring with a penalty after seven minutes, was sent off nine minutes from the end of extra time for a head butt into the chest of Marco Materazzi, who had equalised for Italy with a 19th-minute header.

It was certainly not the way Zidane would have wanted to end his glorious career as he became only the fourth player to be sent off in a World Cup final but the Italians did not care.

Instead, it was Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, exemplary again in his 100th international, who lifted the trophy to add to the Azzurri's successes of 1934, 1938 and 1982.

They have become the second most successful team in World Cup history after Brazil, who have won it five times.

"I have to say thanks to the players," said Italy coach Marcello Lippi. "This is the most satisfying moment of my life.

"The players have unlimited heart, character and personality," he added. "We are very happy."

The Italian Team :

Buffon, Zambrotta, Grosso, Gattuso, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Camoranesi (Iaquinta), Pirlo, Perrotta (De Rossi), Toni, Totti (Del Piero)

Scorers : Zidane-penalty 6th Min (France), Materazzi 19th Min (Italia)