Italy have progressed through to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 after beating England 4-2 on penalties.
Despite Roy Hodgson’s side enjoying the better of the opening exchanges, Cesare Prandelli’s men soon found their rhythm and put their opponents under increasing pressure.
Italy went close in a combative first half through De Rossi and Balotelli, while Bianconeri playmaker Pirlo consistently pulled the strings in midfield to good effect.
The restart brought more of the same as the Azzurri continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession. Montolivo caught sight of goal but blazed over, before Marchisio’s delicious pass fed Nocerino, only for the former Bianconeri midfielder to be shut down by Johnson’s intervention.
With neither side able to break the deadlock, the quarter-final went into extra-time. Substitute Diamanti almost caught Hart out with a cross that cannoned off the post, but England held out to force a penalty shoot-out.
Pirlo hit an outstanding penalty to set the Azzurri up for a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Germany.
Source: Juventus.com
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