Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the EURO 2008 semi-finals and clinch their first competitive win over the Azzurri in 88 years. Both sides battled for 120 minutes but couldn't break the deadlock to take the match to penalties. Iker Casillas saved two-spot-kicks from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio Di Natale, while Gianluigi Buffon saved Daniel Guiza's attempt. Spain will face Russia in their first appearance in the EURO semi-final since 1984. Luis Aragones' men controlled the game in terms of possession but failed to break through a solid Italian defense and an excellent Buffon. David Silva had the first sight of goal but it went easily to the goalie. Simone Perrotta replied with a header but that wasn't enough to bother Casillas. The Spaniards kept on pressing with some long range efforts from David Villa and Silva but they were all easily blocked by the Azzurri Captain. Italy had their closest chance in the 61st minute when Toni lobbed Casillas but Mauro Camoranesi's shot was brilliantly saved by the Real Madrid keeper. Buffon escaped the worst of nightmares as the ball slipped up from his hands but it went on to the post and came back to him with only nine minutes left to play. In extra-time, Silva sent a long range drive but it went inches off the post, while Casillas had to make a fine stretch to deny Di Natale's header. Fabio Grosso and Camoranesi scored from the spot for the Azzurri while Villa, Santiago Cazorla, Marcos Senna and Cesc Fabregas sealed the win for Spain.
