Italy have progressed to a semi-final against Germany at Euro 2012 by putting England out of the tournament on penalties.

 

The Azzurri began the game brightly and witnessed one of their efforts crack the English post, with goalkeeper Joe Hart well beaten.

 

However, as the first half continued, England began to feel their way into the contest and had several opportunities themselves.

 

The pattern of the game saw both sides enjoy chances to score, but with Italy always leading in the chance ratio by four to one.

 

Italy comfortably dominated possession, but could not find the goal which would put England to the sword, either in normal time or then extra time, although they did see the ball hit the back of the net in the latter, however it was ruled out for offside.

 

And penalties were to be the deciding factor.

 

England got an early boost after Riccardo Montolivo fired his shot wide with the penalty scores at 1-1, but then, after Wayne Rooney and Andrea Pirlo both converted, Ashley Young saw his effort crash against the crossbar.

 

Italy levelled things up through Antonio Nocerino before Ashley Cole could not beat Gianluigi Buffon and the pendulum had swung decisively to the Azzurri.

 

All that remained was for former West Ham forward Alessandro Diamanti to net the winning goal – and he did not disappoint, sending Italy through to meet Germany in the last four.

 

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