KIEV, Ukraine — Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty kick Sunday to send Italy through to the European Championship semifinals with a 4-2 win in the shootout following a 0-0 tie with England and a spot.
Ashley Young hit the crossbar with England’s third, and Ashley Cole’s attempt was saved by Gianluigi Buffon.
Italy will next play Germany in the semifinals on Thursday in Warsaw, Poland. Defending champion Spain plays Portugal on Wednesday in Donetsk, Ukraine.
Mario Balotelli, Andrea Pirlo – with an audacious slow chip-shot down the middle of the goal – and Antonio Nocerino also scored for Italy. Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney scored England’s penalties.
The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. The Italians twice hit the post, but were also let down by poor composure in front of goal. Diamanti clipped the post with a curling cross in the 101st minute, and swept a clear shot wide in the clearest chance of the second period of extra time.
Nocerino, another substitute, thought he had scored from Diamanti’s cross in the 115th but was offside.
Daniele De Rossi hit the post in the third minute, and Buffon saved a shot from Glen Johnson in the fifth.
For England, it was yet another exit from a major tournament in the quarterfinals after a penalty shootout. England lost to Portugal in the same manner at Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
“We have done the country proud but again we go home with heartbreak and it’s difficult to take,” said Gerrard, who played in both those previous shootout losses.
Italy dominated the match, which ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of play. The Italians twice hit the post, but were also let down by poor composure in front of goal. Diamanti clipped the post with a curling cross in the 101st minute, and swept a clear shot wide.
The first scoreless match at Euro 2012 was neither dull nor lacking good soccer.
Italy’s attacking desire and creativity under coach Cesare Prandelli had playmaker Andrea Pirlo at its heart. Italy had 35 shots, compared to only nine for England.
England had briefly led the shootout after Riccardo Montolivo missed Italy’s second penalty. His shot went wide of Joe Hart’s right post as the England goalkeeper guessed correctly.
Rooney then sent Buffon the wrong way, firing in his spot kick to the keeper’s right to give England a 2-1 lead.
The momentum shifted after Pirlo’s bold piece of skill leveled at 2-2.
It had been perhaps the toughest Euro 2012 quarterfinal match to predict, and Italy and England set the tone by both coming close within five minutes.
De Rossi hit the post with a spinning left-foot shot from 25 yards, then Johnson’s scooped shot from close range was swatted away by Buffon.
An intriguing match almost demanded that Balotelli take center stage. The Italy forward ran clear in the 25th, but hesitated and allowed John Terry to block his chipped shot.
Balotelli forced Hart, his teammate at Manchester City, to save an acrobatic shot, then surged between England’s central defenders before putting a half-volley over the crossbar. He kicked the goal post in frustration.
Italy continued surging in the second half and De Rossi, taking a ball over his shoulder, scuffed his shot wide. De Rossi sank to his knees in obvious exasperation, and more Italian frustration quickly followed.
Three rapid-fire chances in the 52nd saw Hart beat away De Rossi’s long-range shot, block Balotelli’s follow-up and watch Montolivo lash the loose ball high.
England coach Roy Hodgson had to react to Italy’s dominance, and sent on substitutes Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott, who both scored in a 3-2 win over Sweden.
Carroll’s muscular presence created a shooting chance for Young but England still failed to convince. Rooney made little impression after an early diving header.
De Rossi was replaced by Nocerino and the substitute threatened in the 89th. He took another crafty pass from Pirlo on the run, but Johnson tracked back to block.
Deep into injury time, Italian defensive jitters created a chance for Rooney but his overhead kick sailed high.
England: Joe Hart, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Ashley Cole, James Milner (Theo Walcott, 61), Steven Gerrard, Scott Parker (Jordan Henderson, 94), Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck (Andy Carroll, 60).
Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Ignazio Abate (Christian Maggio, 90), Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Federico Balzaretti, Daniele De Rossi (Antonio Nocerino, 80), Riccardo Montolivo, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano (Alessandro Diamanti, 78).
-
Italy vs. England
Italian players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Antonio Cassano, center, and teammates celebrate after winning the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, right, and Alessandro Diamanti celebrate after Diamanti scored the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Ashley Cole looks down after missing his penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart hugs Italy’s Mario Balotelli after the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England players react after losing the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart fails to save the decisive shot in the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Ashley Young, left, and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon react after Young failed to score in the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, left, and Alessandro Diamanti celebrate after Diamanti scored the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Ashley Young misses his penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Referee Pedro Proenca of Portugal, left, speaks with England goalkeeper Joe Hart after Italy won the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England players watch the penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy players react directly after winning the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
English players stand dejected after the penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti, third right, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, second right, celebrate winning the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Glen Johnson stands dejected after the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England manager Roy Hodgson, center and Steven Gerrard, right, greet Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti who scored the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
English players stand dejected after the penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti, left, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrate winning the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart fails to save the decisive shot in the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Ashley Young looks up after missing his penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon makes a save in the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti celebrates after scoring the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney reafts after losing the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy players celebrate after Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney, left, and Theo Walcott react after losing the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Pirlo scores in a penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy players celebrate after Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti, left, and teammates celebrate after Diamanti scored in the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney reacts after losing the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Ashley Young, left, is comforted by assistant coach Gary Neville as England manager Roy Hodgson looks on during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti, left, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, second left, celebrate with teammates after winning the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon reacts after making a save in the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti, left, and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon celebrate after winning the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Alessandro Diamanti scores in the decisive penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Riccardo Montolivo reacts after missing in the penalty shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Steven Gerrard reacts after scoring in the penalthy shootout during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney, left, and Steven Gerrard prepare for the penalty shootout of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Claudio Marchisio, front, and England goalkeeper Joe Hart react after an Italy goal was disallowed during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Joleon Lescott claims offside after Italy’s Antonio Nocerino, left, scored a disallowed goal past England goalkeeper Joe Hart, right, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart, left, and Italy’s Mario Balotelli react after Italy scored a disallowed goal in the extra-time of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Antonio Nocerino scores a goal that was disallowed during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli shouts during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
English players claim off-side after Italy’s Antonio Nocerino, center, scored a disallowed goal in the extra-time of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Scott Parker pulls Italy’s Mario Balotelli during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Monday, June 25, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart, left, deflects a shot by Italy’s Antonio Nocerino, right, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli approaches to hug Andrea Barzagli, right, during the break before the extra-time of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, right, talks with coach Cesare Prandelli during break before extra-time at the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy forward Mario Balotelli warms up prior to the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Andy Carroll, right, and Italy’s Andrea Pirlo duel for the ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
A Ukrainian police officer guards the stadium during the Euro 2012 quarterfinal soccer championship match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Cristian Maggio, England’s Wayne Rooney and Italy’s Andrea Barzagli, from left, react after Rooney failed to score during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Cristian Maggio, Claudio Marchisio, England’s Andy Carroll and Wayne Rooney from left to right, go for a header during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney is flanked by Italy’s Andrea Pirlo, left, and Andrea Barzagli as he performs a bicycle kick during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Glen Johnson blocks a shot by Italy’s Antonio Nocerino, left, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney performs an overhead kick at goal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England supporters watch on a screen the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal between England and Italy in Kiev Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
An Italian soccer fan cheers for his team ahead of the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Steven Gerrard gets treated during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Federico Balzaretti pours water on his face during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England manager Roy Hodgson talks to Wayne Rooney, center, and Andy Carroll during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Barzagli gets a yellow card from referee Pedro Proenca of Portugal during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli, left, and England goalkeeper Joe Hart go for a ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Scott Parker, top, collides with Italy’s Federico Balzaretti during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Barzagli, right, and England’s Wayne Rooney fight for the ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s John Terry, right, and Italy’s Antonio Cassano go for a header during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli, center, performs a bicycle kick as England’s Steven Gerrard, Joleon Lescott and John Terry, from left, look on during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Pirlo controls the ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England goalkeeper Joe Hart helps teammate John Terry up during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli performs an overhead kick during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Pirlo, center, is challenged by England’s Scott Parker during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci, left, and Daniele De Rossi react after missing a chance during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Andrea Barzagli reacts during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli, center, is challenged by England’s Joleon Lescott, left, and James Milner during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli, left, looks at the ball after he failed to score past England goalkeeper Joe Hart, center, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli, in blue, kicks the ball over the bar during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Danny Welbeck, left, and Italy’s Federico Balzaretti jump for the ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli gestures during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney reacts during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
England’s Wayne Rooney reacts during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Mario Balotelli shoots by England’s Joleon Lescott during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy’s Ignazio Abate, left, and England’s Wayne Rooney go for the ball during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon makes a save after a header by England’s Glen Johnson during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saves a header by England’s Glen Johnson, second right, during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Mario Balotelli, Andrea Barzagli, Daniele De Rossi, Federico Balzaretti, from top left, Riccardo Montolivo, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Ignazio Abate and Antonio Cassano pose for a team photo before the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
-
Italy vs. England
Standing left to right are England’s John Terry, goalkeeper Joe Hart, Danny Welbeck, Joleon Lescott, James Milner, Ashley Young and front left to right are Scott Parker, Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole, Glen Johnson, Wayne Rooney during the Euro 2012 soccer championship quarterfinal match between England and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Sunday, June 24, 2012.
RSS Feed
June 24th, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda 
Posted in 
Tags: 
