How the penalty drama unfolded

England supporters watch the drama unfold in Kiev’s fan zone last night (AP)

England were knocked out of a major tournament on penalties once again after their Euro 2012 dreams were ended by Italy in Kiev tonight.

Following a battling goalless draw England had the chance to book a semi-final spot with arch rivals Germany with a spotkick showdown against the Azzurri. Here, Press Association Sport looks at how it unfolded.

Italy - Mario Balotelli - Not surprising to see the Manchester City striker first up for Italy and he does not disappoint, with his low strike finding the left corner, despite club team-mate Joe Hart guessing the right way. GOAL, 1-0.

England - Steven Gerrard - The captain gets England off to a confident start with an identical effort to Balotelli, with Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fingertips away. GOAL, 1-1.

Italy - Riccardo Montolivo - The midfielder hands England the advantage. Montolivo decided to pick the same corner as Balotelli and Gerrard but his effort went well wide of Hart's right-hand post. MISS, 1-1.

England - Wayne Rooney - Despite looking nervous on his approach to the spot, Rooney sends Buffon the wrong way stroking it in the left-hand corner. GOAL, 1-2.

Italy - Andrea Pirlo - Possibly the best player on the pitch over the 120 minutes, the Juventus midfielder audaciously draws his side level with a cheeky chip down the centre of Hart's goal. GOAL 2-2.

England - Ashley Young - Very much game on as Young opts for power only to see his effort rattle the cross bar. MISS 2-2.

Italy - Antonio Nocerino - The substitute puts Italy back in front and despite a stuttering run-up, confidently strokes to his left and sending Hart the wrong way. GOAL, 3-2.

England - Ashley Cole - Disaster for England as Cole sees his low effort saved by Buffon, who dives to his right to pull off an ultimately comfortable save. MISS, 3-2.

Italy - Alessandro Diamanti - Knowing he can put Italy through for a semi-final clash with Germany, the former West Ham midfielder strides up and shoots into the left corner - with Hart going the wrong way - to break England's hearts. GOAL, 4-2.

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