(Image Source: The Guardian)

BY CAMILLE MAESTRACCI    

ANCHOR ERICA COGHILL

Remember the outrage over Zidane’s headbutt against Materazzi in the World Cup 2006 final? Well, according to The Italian newspaper Il Giornale -- this is the political equivalent...

“What exactly have you told M. Berlusconi? Did you ask him to renew his engagement for new reforms in Italy? Are you confident that he is listening?”

That was French President Nicolas Sarkozy sharing a mocking smirk with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s financial reforms. 

A writer for the Berlusconi-owned Il Giornale saw Mr. Sarkozy’s sarcastic smile as a sign of what he believes to be typical, French disrespect.

“The French have a bad habit. When they are in trouble with us Italians, they lose control, become arrogant. And they start pulling heads, thinking it is the way to solve the problems”

The scene, which took place at the last European summit has now sparked criticism throughout Italy, from the right and left. A writer for The Economist agrees -- this wasn’t a smart move.

“Rarely has a member of the euro zone—and a founding member of the European integration project, no less—been chastised so publicly.”

A writer from French magazine Le point writes that despite the manners, Nicolas Sarkozy has a point.

“Berlusconi does not accept the role of Europe’s dunce. Yet, the Italian government gave a further demonstration of his inability to cope with the crisis”

And a writer for the Guardian says just because Sarkozy and Merkel shared a mocking smile -- doesn’t mean they have equal influence. The Guardian writes the so-called “Merkozy couple”, is just a facade...

“In fact, their joint media briefing served only to re-emphasise German domination of the relationship. Merkel, who utterly dominates her own political party at home, ruthlessly shutting out dissenters, now plays or tries to play a similar role in Europe”