KIEV - Alessandro Diamanti scored the decisive spot kick as Italy beat England 4-2 on penalties after their action-packed Euro 2012 quarter-final finished goalless after extra-time on Sunday.

Italy's Alessandro Diamanti scores the winning penalty goal against England's Joe Hart during their Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match at the Olympic stadium in Kiev June 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

Diamanti struck after Ashley Young and Ashley Cole missed for England to take Italy through to a semi-final meeting with Germany in Warsaw on Thursday.

Italy had much the best of the first game of the knockout-stage to go to extra time, having more than 30 attempts at goal.  Daniele De Rossi, with a swerving 25-metre shot after three minutes, and Diamanti both hit the post.

Riccardo Montolivo, twice, and Mario Balotelli, several times, also went close while Antonio Nocerino had a 114th minute headed goal correctly ruled out for offside as England's defence was continually cut open after they had started well and gone close themselves through Glen Johnson and Wayne Rooney.

Special coverage: Euro 2012

England's goalkeeper Joe Hart reacts after losing the Euro 2012 quarter-final soccer match against Italy following a penalty shoot-out at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, June 24, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]