Day 16

England 0-0 Italy (2-4 pens)

Italy are through to the Semi Final's of Euro 2012 after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over England. The two sides couldn't be separated in a scoreless opening 120 minutes, before England's spot kick woes came back to haunt them yet again. Italy were deserved winners after dominating large periods of the match in open play.

They almost took the lead after just three minutes, when Daniele De Rossi caught a sweet volley with the outside of his boot from 25 yards, only to see it curve onto the post.

England came just as close two minutes later when Glen Johnson forced a brilliant reflex save from Italian captain Gianluigi Buffon. The England full back had stormed into the area, but his close range effort was clawed out by the Italian stopper.

It was a frantic start, and a surprise that the two sides went into half time goalless.

After the break, Italy dominated all facets of the game. Joe Hart was forced into a wonderful double save to deny De Rossi and Mario Balotelli, before Riccardo Montolivo struck his follow up over the bar.

Italy continued to exert immense pressure on England's goal, however stern defence from John Terry and Joleon Lescott, who seemed to be blocking every attempt on goal, kept the English in the match.

Hart was tested again and again as England held on by the skin of their teeth, sending the match to extra time.

Andrea Pirlo and De Rossi were putting on a masterclass in midfield, with Pirlo in particular having an amazing game. His fitness, trickery and range of passing was sublime. No England player could stop his influence on the game.

Italy continued to control the match against a tiring English side. To open the additional thirty minutes of extra time, Italian substitute Alessandro Diamanti's cross flew past everyone, and drifted into Hart's far post.

It was hearts in mouths stuff for the English, as they continued to hold out wave after wave of Italian attacks, until finally in the 121st minute, Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca put them out of their misery by signalling a penalty shootout.

Balotelli and Steven Gerrard converted their spot kicks, before Montolivo sent his wide. Wayne Rooney gave England the advantage, before Pirlo chipped Hart with an audacious lob down the middle.

Pirlo's penalty swung the momentum back in Italy's favour, and after Ashley Young struck a powerful effort against the bar, Antonio Nocerino levelled.

Ashley Cole had his shot saved by Buffon, meaning Diamanti's cool penalty into the bottom corner sent Italy through to the Semi Final's.

It was England's sixth penalty shootout loss from seven attempts at major international tournaments, and resigned them to yet another Quarter Final exit.

Meanwhile for the Italian's, pure unbridled joy would be halted due to preparations for the upcoming Semi Final against Germany.