Italy 0 - 0 Spain (2- 4 pen)

Current World Champions Italy were downed by Spain in a lackluster stalemate which went on to penalties.
The Italian defense seemed to cancel out the Spaniards' attacking approach, with one touch football dominating the latter's play. With Xavi leading midfield, and Iniesta exploiting the flanks, it took quite a while for an opening to reveal itself, but Gianluigi Buffon blocked a cool shot from David Silva from a David Villa backheel.
Buffon was tested quite a few times, but in the second half, it was Italy who took an offensive turn. Casillas was forced to deny Mauro Camoranesi, enveloping the ball and safeguarding his goal.
With time ticking, there were still a few chances squandered, with set pieces going nowhere. Even under extra time, the opening goal didn't appear.
Penalty shootout.
David Villa, Spain's hero of the tournament, slotted past Buffon, opening the scoreline.
Fabio Grosso, however, cancelled out the goal with a shot of his own, mimicking his final penalty in the 2006 final.
Santi Cazorla blasted a low shot into the left corner, but sent the Italian goalie to the right.
Daniele de Rossi, however, failed to reply, with Iker Casillas saving the youngster's shot.
Marco Senna sent a world class penalty in the back of the net, with Buffon looking helpless.
Marco Camoranesi took dead aim, however, closing the scoreline in at 3-2.
Italy looked to make a comeback, with Buffon saving Dani Guiza's shot splendidly.
However, more heroics from Iker Casillas killed Italian hopes after saving from Antonio Di Natale.
Cesc Fabregas placed his shot, finalizing the win with a lower right shot.

Spain advance, ending their penalty curse and ending up challenging an inspired Russian side in the semis.