Intro:

Italian fans packed out central Rome to watch the Azzurri's penalty shoot out win over England at Euro 2012.

Script:

Italian fans crammed into a fan park in central Rome on Sunday night to watch their Euro 2012 quarter-final encounter with England.

Despite dominating the majority of the match the Azzurri wasted a number of glorious opportunities to put the game to bed.

In the end the game finished goalless after extra-time, meaning a spot in the semi-finals would be decided via a penalty shootout.

Italy, who won the 2006 World Cup on penalties, were the first team to miss, Riccardo Montolivo placing his spot kick wide of the post.

Man of the match Andrea Pirlo kept Italy in the game with a sublime chipped penalty before the nerves got to England, Ashley Young hitting the bar with the Three Lions third attempt.

Ashley Cole was then denied by Gianluigi Buffon, giving Alessandro Diamanti the chance to send Italy through.

The Bologna striker didn't miss as Rome erupted, Italy winning the penalty shootout 4-2.

SOUNDBITE (Italian) Michele, Italy fan:

"We are at the semi-finals now, I'm happy, it was great."

Italy's reward for holding their nerves will be a semi-final encounter with Germany in Warsaw on Thursday.