Italy Advances Past England in Penalty Kicks

The Italians celebrate their much deserved victory over England. (Michael Sohn)

With the final semifinal spot on the line, England and Italy knew exactly what was expected of them. The two sides matched up well and often play very similar styles. Both are defensively minded with talent that can create offensive opportunities instantaneously.

The first fifteen minutes saw great action on both ends as the teams settled into the match. The Italians elected to make a slight tweak to their midfield alignment on the field. The result was really compete domination by the Azzurri (Italians).

Sure England had occasional opportunities off set pieces and nice runs, but they struggled to gain any sense of flow or rhythm for much of the game. The only thing that kept England in it was their goalkeeper, Joe Hart, and his helpful goal posts. Regulation ended with the first 0-0 scoreline of Euro 2012. But it definitely wasn't for a lack of opportunities. There continued to be quality chances in the extra half-hour of play, but nothing seemed to be able to find the net. Despite out shooting England 35-9, the Italians were forced to decide things with the English in a penalty shootout.

In the penalties, Mario Balotelli and Steven Gerrard both put home their sides' first attempt. The Italians second attempt by Riccardo Montolivo was shanked just wide of the post. Wayne Rooney calmly gave England the 2-1 advantage. Andrea Pirlo beautifully chipped in the equalizer for the Italians. With a chance to regain their edge, England's Ashley Cole saw his shot ricochet off the crossbar. Substitute Antonio Nocerino brought the advantage back to the Italians up 3-2. Ashley Cole tried to level things for England, but the quick instincts of Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon allowed him to make the huge save. With a chance to win it for the Italians, Alessandro Diamanti made no mistake, sealing the 4-2 penalty shootout victory.

The Azzurri were the better side from start to finish. Fortunately for them, they came out on top in the always chancy penalty shootout. While there were many standout out players, the man of the match has to be Andrea Pirlo. His ability to create in the midfield lead to many of the Italians' finest scoring opportunities. Additionally, his goal in the shootout was the one that proved to be the game changer. For England, it is another disappointing exit. They have been knocked out of Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, and now Euro 2012 in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals. Italy will have to rest up and prepare quickly for their semifinal Thursday against Germany.