Penalty shootout: B. Schweinsteiger (Germany) missed!
Penalty shootout: E. Giaccherini (Italy) scored!
126'
Penalty shootout: L. Bonucci (Italy) missed!
Penalty saved by M. Neuer!
125'
Penalty shootout: G. Pellè (Italy) missed!
Penalty shootout: J. Draxler (Germany) scored!
124'
Penalty shootout: M. Özil (Germany) missed!
123'
Penalty shootout: A. Barzagli (Italy) scored!
Penalty shootout: T. Müller (Germany) missed!
Penalty saved by G. Buffon!
Minute
Description
122'
Penalty shootout: S. Zaza (Italy) missed!
121'
Penalty shootout: L. Insigne (Italy) scored!
Penalty shootout: T. Kroos (Germany) scored!
120' +1
S. Zaza enters the game and replaces G. Chiellini.
Chiellini makes his way off the pitch to be replaced by Zaza, who is unlikely to see much of the ball before the game goes to penalties, which is surely why Antonio Conte has brought him on to replace the centre-back.
120'
And now Insigne tries to carve out a chance on goal with what could prove to be the final opportunity of the game, but he slightly overruns the ball after penetrating the penalty area and sends it into the hands of Neuer, who darts out quickly to deal with the danger.
119'
Chance for Ozil! Boateng charges into the Italy half of the pitch and pokes a low pass into the feet of Muller, who is standing on the edge of the penalty area with his back to goal. The Bayern Munich forward quickly tees up Ozil, who then unleashes a thumping strike from 20 yards out, but his effort ends up sailing into the hands of Buffon.
118'
A dangerous Germany attack breaks down just inside the penalty area, and Italy immediately try to hit their opponents on a counter-attack. Pelle initially does well to get down the right wing before spinning and working the ball over to Parolo on the opposite flank, but the midfielder's attempted cross into the box is poorly hit and bounces harmlessly out of play for a goal-kick.
116'
The second corner is a similar one to the first, and it's easily dealt with by the Italy defence before the ball bounces out to Hummels. The defender is left in a pocket of space and quickly whips a cross back into the penalty area, but it's sent too near to Buffon and the veteran goalkeeper is easily able to cut out the danger under very little pressure.
115'
Muller muscles his way down the right flank and forces Chiellini into tripping him over from behind, resulting in a free-kick for Germany in a very dangerous position near to the corner flag. Kroos steps up and swings a cross into the penalty area that's cut out by Parolo, but the referee spots pushing in the box and orders the set-piece to be taken once again.
113'
Chance for Insigne! Pelle holds up the ball well on the edge of the Germany penalty area before spinning and teeing up the Napoli man. The Germany defenders all think that he's offside but he continues playing and fires a shot towards goal, but it's sent too near to Neuer and the goalkeeper does well to stop it from finding the back of the net.
112'
B. Schweinsteiger gets yellow.
Schweinsteiger attempts to charge down the left wing but ends up catching Sturaro in the face with a flailing arm, resulting in the veteran midfielder becoming the latest player to receive a booking.
111'
Germany quickly win the ball back once again and push plenty of bodies forward as they attempt to put Italy under more pressure. Kroos picks up possession deep inside the Azzurri half of the pitch and then tries to spray a pass out to Kimmich, but it's mishit by the midfielder and fails to find its intended target before rolling out of play for a throw-in.
109'
Poor pass by Draxler! A half-hearted Italy attacking move breaks down, allowing Germany to fly forward on a blisteringly quick counter-attack. The youngster sprints through the middle of the pitch on a great run before trying to pick out Muller, who had made an equally good run into the penalty area, but it's completely overhit by the Wolfsburg man and fails to find his teammate.
108'
L. Insigne enters the game and replaces Éder.
Eder looks to have pulled a muscle after putting in such a great shift all night, and he's replaced by Insigne in Italy's second substitution.
107'
Draxler goes close! Schweinsteiger picks up the ball in a pocket of space over on the right wing and immediately fires a dangerous cross over towards the far post. It's cut out by Barzagli but the defender can only head the ball up into the air and down on to the foot of Draxler, who then sends his overhead volley just a yard or two over the top of the crossbar from close range.
106'
And we're underway once again!
105'
An awkward bounce off Bonucci almost gifts Muller with the opportunity to break past the defender and into the Italy penalty area to go one-on-one with Buffon, but Chiellini does well to dart across the box and cut out the danger before the Bayern Munich forward is able to do so. That could prove to be the final chance of the first half.
103'
E. Giaccherini gets yellow.
Giaccherini becomes the latest player to receive a yellow card that will keep him out of the semi-final after being cautioned for simulation, even though it looked as if he was caught by a trailing leg as he weaved down the left wing on a marauding run.
102'
Once again it's worked short before Hector eventually tees up Boateng, who, despite being 40 yards away from the Italy goal, decides to unleash a thumping shot. The centre-back's audacious effort is poorly hit, however, and ends up comfortably missing its intended target, much to the annoyance of the defenders who had bust a gut to position themselves inside the penalty area.
101'
Italy are unable to clear the danger on the edge of their own penalty area, resulting in Muller unleashing a 20-yard shot that deflects off Chiellini and out for a corner. It's taken short and worked over to Kroos, who then sends a cross deep towards the far post, but Parolo cuts out the danger before nodding it out for another Germany corner.
99'
Germany are bossing possession at the moment, but, as has been the case since they went ahead, they're struggling to find a way past a well-organised Italy side. The sea of blue shirts in front have continually frustrated them and resulted in them failing to carve out many chances on goal.
97'
And now Ozil is caught by Parolo, resulting in another free-kick in a dangerous position, this time for Germany midway inside the Italy half of the pitch. Kroos steps up and swings a dangerous cross over to the far post, but Bonucci is pushed to the ground by Draxler and wins his side a free-kick just as Schweinsteiger's volleyed effort ends up looping safely over the top of the crossbar.
95'
Schweinsteiger clatters into Sturaro and gives away a free-kick just inside the Germany half of the pitch. Italy take their time with the set-piece before working it over to Eder, who twists and turns and then sets up Pelle, but the Southampton striker is unable to poke a strike towards goal and the ball instead bounces out for a goal-kick.
93'
Ball after ball is flung into the Italy penalty area, but Italy are just about able to deal with each cross. Kimmich eventually sends a brilliant one into the middle of the box that almost finds Muller, but Chiellini throws his body in the way of the forward and wins a free-kick for his side that the Bayern Munich man isn't at all happy with.
91'
G. Pellè gets yellow.
And the first half of extra-time is underway!
Pelle is almost immediately shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Boateng, and it's one that will rule the striker out of the semi-final if Italy are able to make it past Germany today.
90' +3
Germany try to push forward on one last attacking move as Ozil charges down the left wing on a determined run, but he's quickly closed down by blue shirts and is unable to send a cross into the box before the referee blows his whistle to send the game into extra-time.
90' +2
Ozil drifts out to the left and picks up the ball in space before curling a brilliant cross into the Italy penalty area. Schweinsteiger rises high and looks set to make contact with it in a dangerous position in front of goal, but Chiellini is just about able to get a touch on the ball to send it away from the midfielder and over to the right flank.
90'
M. Hummels gets yellow.
A half-hearted Germany attacking move breaks down, allowing Italy to try and fly forward on a quick counter-attack. Eder weaves his way towards the halfway line but is fouled by a clumsy sliding tackle from Hummels, who becomes the latest player to receive a yellow card.
The fourth official has indicated that there will be three minutes of added time.
89'
Great strike by De Sciglio! Eder holds up the ball well just outside of the Germany penalty area before spinning and teeing up the left wing-back. He quickly cuts inside and beats Kimmich before unleashing a thumping low shot, but it's one that ends up flying into the side-netting instead of the back of the net.
88'
It's all Germany at the moment as they keep hold of possession inside the Italy half of the pitch. However, after doing well to move the ball around and force their opponents into working hard, a poor pass from Draxler fails to find a white shirt and instead rolls straight into the hands of Buffon inside the penalty area.
86'
M. Darmian enters the game and replaces A. Florenzi.
Italy have decided to make their first change of the game, with Florenzi, who looks absolutely shattered, making way for Darmian.
84'
Florenzi juggles the ball on the right-hand side of the Germany penalty area as he tries to beat Hector. He does well to keep the ball in the air before launching it over to Pelle, but the striker is unable to spin past the three defenders in front of him and ends up lossing possession.
82'
Chance for Pelle! Hector loses the ball deep down the left flank and allows Italy to break forward on a quick counter-attack. Eder twists and turns on the edge of the Germany penalty area before poking a pass over to Pelle, but the Southampton striker's first-time shot takes a deflection off Howedes that sends it out for a corner that fails to result in c ahcen on goal.
80'
Germany immediately push forward from the restart as they desperately try to find a way back in front once again. They quickly move the ball around deep inside the Italy half of the pitch as they attempt to break through the sea of blue shirts camped in front of them, but they're unable to do so and forced into playing the ball back to the halfway line.
78'
Penalty goal scored by L. Bonucci for Italy!
GOAL! Bonucci steps up and fires a wonderful shot past the outstretched limbs of Neuer and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to put Italy back into the game once again.
77'
PENALTY! Italy have been handed a late chance to equalise! They quickly come back once again before a dangerous cross is flung into the middle of the box. Boateng rises high to try and deal with it but ends up making contact with the ball with a flailing arm, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
76'
Boateng and Pelle battle for the ball inside the Germany half of the pitch before the centre-back out-muscles the striker and pokes the ball out for an Italy corner. Florenzi steps up and sends a dangerous cross into the middle of the penalty area, but it's well dealt with by the group of white shirts camped in front of goal.
74'
What a chance for Pelle! After sitting deep for so long, Italy are finally able to push forward on a rare foray into the Germany half of the pitch. De Sciglio does well to fire a low cross past Kimmich and into the path of the Southampton stirker, but his first-time shot from close range ends up flying the wrong side of the near post after beating Neuer.
72'
J. Draxler enters the game and replaces M. Gómez.
Gomez looks to have picked up an injury after going down inside the Italy half of the pitch, and after receiving medical treatment for a few moments he's forced into being replaced by Draxler for the remainder of the game.
70'
Germany are all over Italy at the moment, and the Azzurri look incredibly rattled at the moment. The goal seems to have really frustrated them, and Joachim Low's men are now continuing to push plenty of bodies forward as they look to finish off the job. So far, Italy are just about managing to hold on, but will they be able to find a way back into the game after struggling so much in front of goal?
68'
What a save by Buffon! Germany patiently pass the ball around deep inside the Italy half of the pitch as they toy with Italy. Ozil then lifts a beautiful balll over the top of the defence and into the path of Gomez, who brings the ball down with a deft touch before seeing his close-range, flicked shot pushed over the top of the crossbar by a wonderful stop from the veteran goalkeeper.
66'
Germany swiftly come back once again as they look to double their lead with a quick second goal. They work the ball aroun well down the right wing through Muller before the forward finds Gomez on the edge of the penalty area, but he's out-muscled before he can shoot and Italy are just about able to survive.
65'
M. Özil has scored a goal for Germany!
GOAL! Germany have taken the lead! Gomez charges down the left wing and does well to hold up the ball before spinning and teeing up Hector. The wing-back quickly pokes a cross over to Ozil that is deflected into the path of the Arsenal midfielder, who beats two defenders to the ball before slotting it past Buffon and into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
63'
After doing well to deal with the danger, Italy push forward on an attack of their own down the left wing. It's Giaccherini who flies forward on a positive run before firing a dangerous cross over towards Eder, but the striker is beaten to the ball by Hector, who then heads it away from danger and over to the left wing.
61'
Muller picks up the ball in a pocket of space just outside of the Italy penalty area, and he quickly spins before picking out Hector over on the left flank. The wing-back brings the ball down well before swinging a cross over to the back post, but De Sciglio is there to cut out the danger before the ball can find Gomez.
59'
M. Parolo gets yellow.
The yellow card is out once again! This time it's Parolo who gets his name put into the referee's book after catching Gomez with a high boot just outside of the Italy penalty area. Tackles are flying in all over the place at the moment and the game has become slightly scrappy as a result.
57'
M. De Sciglio gets yellow.
Kimmich tries to break down the right wing but is clattered into from behind by De Sciglio, who tries to walk away from the referee but is shown a yellow card that rules him out of the semi-final if Italy are able to reach it.
56'
S. Sturaro gets yellow.
Sturaro dives into Ozil near to the halfway line and brings the midfielder crashing to the ground, resulting in a free-kick for Germany. It initially looks as if the referee isn't going to book the midfielder, but the Juventus man reacts angrily and ends up getting his name put in the book as a result.
55'
And now Boateng goes close! The resulting corner initially fails to trouble the Italy back line but the ball bounces out to the edge of the penalty area, where Boateng is waiting. The centre-back immediately unleashes a thumping strike that flies through the blue shirts in front of him, but there's slightly too much power behind the ball and it ends up clearing the top of the crossbar by several yards.
54'
Off the line by Florenzi! A lofted pass is flung up to the edge of the Italy penalty area, where it finds Gomez. He brings the ball down well and skips past two defenders before poking a pass back to Muller, who immediately beats Buffon with a thumping shot. It looks set to find the back of the net, but Florenzi somehow manages to stop it from doing so with a wonderfully acrobatic block on the line.
52'
Kimmich peels away from his marker and finds a pocket of space deep down the right flank before curling a brilliant cross into the heart of the Italy penalty area. It's dangerous and looks set to find a white shirt, but Barzagli is there to send it out of play for a corner with a vital headed clearance. The resulting set-piece is quickly sent into the box, but it seems to take the Germany players by surprise and can only find Sturaro at the near post.
50'
Howedes dives into Pelle and brings the striker crashing to the ground, resulting in a free-kick for Italy just inside the Germany half of the pitch over on the left wing. It's taken quickly and worked forward before the ball finds Giaccherini, but the midfielder is unable to find a way past Kimmich and comes off second best to the youngster.
49'
After dealing with the danger, Germany try to hit Italy on a quick counter down the left wing. Gomez initially gets forward well before spinning and finding Kroos, who then curls a cross into the box, but it fails to find a white shirt and is easily dealt with at the far post.
48'
Early chance for Italy! De Sciglio bursts down the left wing on a great run as he charges into the space left behind by Kimmich. He then cuts inside and fires a low cross into the middle of the Germany penalty area, where it finds Eder, but the striker's poked pass over to Giaccherini is cut out before it can find the midfielder.
46'
And we're underway once again!
45' +1
Boateng pushes up towards the halfway line before launching a dangerous lofted pass over towards the left-hand side of the Italy penalty area, where Florenzi is put under pressure by Hector and forced to tap the ball out for a corner. Kroos steps up and curls a low cross towards the near post, but it's easily dealt with by the Italy back line before the referee blows his whistle and brings an end to what has been a fascinating first half.
45'
The fourth official has indicated that there will be just one minute of added time.
44'
Sturaro goes close! The game has suddenly burst into life! A wonderful lofted pass from Chiellini flies over the Germany defence and into the path of Giaccherini, who beats Kimmich with ease before keeping it in play inside the penalty area. His low cross is tipped away by Neuer but can only find Sturaro on the edge of the box, but the midfielder's thumping low shot ends up taking a deflection that sends it flying narrowly wide of the far post.
43'
And now Muller is presented with a great opportunity! Ozil links up well with Hummels before cutting a clever pass back to Kroos on the edge of the penalty area. The Bayern Munich midfielder immediately unleashes a shot but scuffs it over to Kimmich, who then knocks it over to Muller. He's in a great position in front of goal and spins quickly before trying to slot a strike into the left-hand corner of the net, but he's off balance and can only send it into the hands of Buffon.
41'
Chance for Gomez! Kimmich, who has arguably been one of Germany's most dangerous players thus far, picks up the ball in an advantageous position on the right wing and immediately sends it over towards Gomez. The striker rises high and beats his marker before sending a header towards goal, but it ends up looping a few yards over the top of the crossbar.
40'
After sitting deep and doing well to soak up the pressure being put on them by Germany, Italy are finally able to break out of their own half of the pitch as they try to hit their opponents on a quick counter-attack. They initially get forward well before a pass is sprayed out to De Sciglio over on the left, but, despite his best efforts, the wing-back is unable to keep the ball in play and it ends up rolling out for a goal-kick.
38'
Germany keep coming back at Italy as they continue to throw plenty of bodies forward. Ball after ball is flung into the middle of the penalty area, but each time the Azzurri are able to deal with the danger and deny Gomez, who has had very few chances on goal thus far, the opportunity to try and test Buffon.
36'
Kroos and Ozil link up well over on the left as they patiently play the ball between themselves before the Real Madrid midfielder tees up Hector deep down the flank. The wing-back, who has attacked less than Kimmich over on the other side, gets into a good position before firing a bouncing cross towards the near post, but, despite a few nervous fumbles, Buffon is just about able to collect the ball before Gomez can make contact with it.
34'
Germany revert to patiently passing the ball around inside the Italy half of the pitch as Italy start to sit deep once again. Kimmich eventually picks up possession deep down the right flank and quickly tries to take on De Sciglio, but the Milan man holds his ground and dispossesses his opponent with a strong and well-timed tackle.
32'
Excellent block by Boateng! A cross-field pass from Parolo slides under the foot of Kimmich before finding De Sciglio in a great position deep down the left flank. The wing-back takes a quick touch before firing a low cross towards the edge of the six-yard box, but Boateng beats Eder to the ball before thumping it away from danger.
30'
Lovely play between Pelle and Eder! Germany's ruled out goal seems to have injected a sense of urgency into Italy, who are now playing with far more intensity. De Sciglio pushes into the Germany half of the pitch before picking out Pelle, who then sends a beautiful flick over to Eder. The Southampton man's striker partner tries to complete the one-two with a pass into the penalty area, but Howedes is there to cut out the danger at the vital moment.
28'
Schweinsteiger scores, but it's ruled out! Germany are all over Italy at the moment, and they're making life extremely tough for the Azzurri. Not for the first time tonight, Hummels breaks down the left flank before firing a stunning cross over to the far post, where it finds Schweinsteiger. The midfielder pushes De Sciglio out of the way and then beats Buffon with a bullet header, but the referee immediately blows his whistle and awards Italy a free-kick.
26'
A poor pass from Bonucci can only find Schweinsteiger, who immediately pokes the ball over to Kroos. The midfielder then tries to charge his way through the group of blue shirts directly in front of him, but Sturaro clumsily trips the Real Madrid man to the ground just as he's about to skip past him. It initially looks as if he's going to receive the first yellow card of the game but the referee instead decides just to give him a stern talking to.
24'
Italy are finding it incredibly hard to break out of their own half of the pitch, as every time they get on the ball they're immediately closed down and forced into making poor mistakes. This time it's Sturaro who is caught out after falling asleep in possession, but he ends up getting fouled by Muller and is awarded a free-kick and, more importantly, a chance to breathe.
22'
The Italy back line hold on to the ball and pass it between themselves as they try to find a way through the sea of white shirts camped in front of them. Chiellini eventually decides to launched a lofted pass over the top of the Germany defence and towards Eder, but the striker is quickly out-muscled by Boateng, who does well to shepherd the ball back to Neuer.
20'
Almost a great chance for Gomez! Hummels pushes down the left wing and isn't put under enough pressure by Florenzi, who allows him to find a pocket of space just inside the Italy half of the pitch. The defender looks up and quickly sends a brilliant cross into the heart of the penalty area, but it's slightly in front of Gomez and he can only get a toe on the ball and not the clean contact required to test Buffon.
18'
Lovely one-touch football from Germany near to the halfway line almost results in a chance on goal for Gomez, but the final pass over the top of the Italy defence is slightly overhit and ends up bouncing past the on-rushing striker before finding the safe hands of Buffon inside the penalty area.
16'
B. Schweinsteiger enters the game and replaces S. Khedira.
Khedira won't be able to continue after picking up what looks like a nasty muscle strain, and he's forced off to be replaced by Schweinsteiger.
15'
After spending the past few minutes on the back foot, Italy are finally able to push out of their own half of the pitch and towards the Germany goal. They work the ball around from one flank to the other before Florenzi cuts inside from the right and unleashes a lot shot, but there isn't enough power behind it to trouble Neuer.
14'
Before Italy can take the free-kick, the Germany medical team are called on to the pitch to inspect Khedira, who has gone down holding his groin after a coming together with Chiellini earlier in the build-up. It doesn't look good for the Juventus midfielder, who seems to be really struggling.
13'
A great lofted pass is fired over to the right flank, where it finds Kimmich in a good position near to the corner flag. The youngster brings the ball down well before taking on De Sciglio, and he initially gets the better of the left wing-back before losing the ball on the edge of the box. He tries his hardest to win it back but ends up pushing Chiellini to the ground in the process, resulting in a free-kick for Italy.
12'
Khedira picks up the ball in the middle of the pitch and immediately plays a quick one-two with Ozil. The Arsenal midfielder then weaves his way towards the edge of the Italy penalty area before attempting to pick out Hector, who had made a good run inside from the left. However, Florenzi reads the pass well and is there to cut it out.
10'
Kimmich and Khedira link up well again on the right-hand side of the Italy box before Parolo is forced into poking the ball out for a corner over on the right flank. It's taken short and worked to Ozil, who then swings a cross into the heart of the penalty area, but once again it's dealt with by the Italy back line before Germany come back once again.
8'
Germany have certainly started the better of the two sides, and they're doing well to put Italy under pressure early on as they push them back into their own half. Kimmich finds himself in a pocket of space over on the right wing and immediately tries to find Khedira, who had made a good run into the penalty area, but the wing-back's pass is slightly overhit and misses the midfielder before rolling out of play for a goal-kick.
6'
An early lofted pass from Eder finds Giaccherini on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder spins quickly before firing a quick shot off the body of Boateng and out for another Italy corner. It's taken short and worked over to Barzagli, who then tries to tee up Chiellini down the right flank, but the Germany back line push up well and force the centre-back into drifting into an offside position.
5'
The cross from the corner is a low one, and it bounces through the Germany penalty area before being half cleared out to the edge of the box. The ball finds Sturaro in a pocket of space, but the midfielder's first-time shot is poorly hit and ends up trickling comfortably wide of the goal.
4'
Florenzi does well to put Hector under pressure deep down the right wing before poking the ball over to Eder, who then wins Italy a throw-in in a dangerous position near to the corner flag. It's worked to Sturaro who then tees up Florenzi once again, but the wing-back's low cross is deflected out of play for a corner.
2'
Germany immediately go on the front foot as they look to put Italy under plenty of early pressure. They work the ball around nicely inside the Azzurri half of the pitch before Ozil swings a dangerous cross into the middle of the penalty area, but Bonucci is there to clear the danger with a strong header.
1'
And we're off! Germany get us underway, attacking from left to right.
Good evening and welcome to our live text commentary of today’s Euro 2016 quarter-final between Germany and Italy at the Matmut Atlantique.
No matter how hard they try, Germany just can’t seem to beat Italy in a major tournament. Four years ago, a Mario Balotelli double sent Joachim Low’s side crashing out of Euro 2012 in a relatively one-sided semi-final, whilst two goals in two minutes at the end of extra-time saw the Azzurri break German hearts on German soil at the same stage of the World Cup six years earlier.
A friendly in March saw Germany comfortably win 4-1 in what was their first victory against Italy since 1995, but it’s safe to say that the Azzurri have continually proven to be their bogey team. In eight competitive meetings, Italy have never before lost to Germany, with all four of their victories coming in the knockout stages of major tournaments. The Mannschaft have reached the semi-finals in each of their last five competitions, but tonight’s game could bring that run to an end if they're not able to rewrite the history books.
Under different circumstances, tonight’s game could have been the final rather than a quarter-final, and, as two of the strongest teams in the competition, both sides will feel aggrieved if their European adventures are brought to an end so prematurely. Despite a slight stutter against the Republic of Ireland after Group E had already been wrapped up, Italy have been in excellent form thus far, winning their opening two group stage games before claiming the scalp of reigning European Championship winners Spain in the last-16.
As for Germany, they head into this evening’s big game unbeaten in their last five clashes, with only one of those (a goalless draw against Poland in their second group stage tie) not ending in a victory. Their last-16 meeting against Slovakia proved to be an easy one, and a scintillating performance from Joachim Low’s men resulted in a comfortable 3-0 win. History aside, they will feel incredibly confident about their chances of winning tonight to set up a semi-final clash against either France or Iceland.
Joachim Low has decided to make just one change to the Germany side that started the 3-0 win against Slovakia in the round of 16, with Benedikt Howedes coming into the starting line-up to replace Julian Draxler and transform a back four into a three, with Joshua Kimmich and Jonas Hector operating as wing-backs.
Meanwhile, Italy boss Antonio Conte has also made one alteration to the side that won 2-0 against Spain in the last round, with Stefano Sturaro replacing the injured Daniele De Rossi.
The two sides are making their way out onto the pitch, with just a few minutes to go until kick-off.
HALF-TIME: GERMANY 0-0 ITALY
It's been an interesting opening 45 minutes, with Germany arguably the better of the two sides thus far. Starting with three at the back has proven to be a great choice by Joachim Low, as Kimmich and Hector have pushed De Sciglio and Florenzi back into their own half of the pitch and denied them the opportunity to break forward, which has severely limited Italy's chances in front of goal.
Sturaro went closest to scoring for Italy with his late piledriver whilst Gomez and Muller have both been presented with chances at the other end of the pitch, but neither of them were able to make Buffon work too hard and, as a result, Germany haven't looked like scoring, despite the fact they dominated for most of the half.
The two teams are making their way back out onto the pitch ahead of the start of the second half. Neither side have made any substitutions during the half-time break.
An even and tactically fascinating tie is now set to go to extra-time, with both sides, who have worked extremely hard all evening, set to battle one another for at least another 30 minutes. Germany have arguably been the better of the two teams but Italy did well to increase the intensity in the second half, which started to cause their opponents plenty of problems inside their own half of the pitch. As a result, Boateng was forced into giving away a penalty with a strange handball, resulting in the goal from Bonucci that has sent the game into extra-time.
Both sides have been pushing hard for what would surely prove to be the winning goal, but all of the players look incredibly tired and could end up sitting back during the second period. Penalties look to be the most likely option thanks to good defending from both sides, but, as has been the case in the tournament thus far, anything could happen in the next 15 minutes...
The referee blows his whistle for the final time and confirms that this fascinating and entertaining game will go to penalties! The two sides have never met each other before in a penalty shootout, but Germany head into this one with the better recent record after winning four of their last five, with the last defeat coming way back in 1976.
GOAL! Kroos immediately equalises with a thumping strike that beats Buffon by a yard or so after the Italy goalkeeper dived the right way.
GOAL! Insigne steps up and calmly tucks away a shot into the right-hand side of the net, leaving Neuer with no chance whatsoever.
MISS! Zaza takes an age with his run up but ends up firing a truly terrible strike over the top of the crossbar and into the stands behind.
GOAL! Barzagli fires Italy into the lead with a great strike that goes straight down the middle and into the back of the net.
MISS! Muller becomes the first Germany player to miss a penalty since 1982 with a poor low shot that is easily stopped by Buffon.
MISS! Germany are in real trouble! After scoring 22 goals in a row, they have now missed two in a row as Ozil fires his shot straight on to the woodwork.
MISS! And now Pelle fluffs his lines! The Italy striker steps up and sends a tame effort bobbling past the left post and comfortably wide of its intended target. Tiredness seems to be playing an important role right now.
GOAL! Draxler shows them how it's done with a calm and composed strike that flies into the back of the net and puts Germany straight back into the game. It's down to sudden death now...
GOAL! Bonucci fails to score his second penalty of the game and instead sees his attempt on goal stopped by the big right hand of Neuer. That was a fantastic save by the German.
GOAL! Giaccherini keeps Italy's hopes alive with a blast down the middle that leaves Neuer with no chance.
MISS! Schweinsteiger is one kick away from sending Germany into the semi-final but he completely skies his shot and sends it flying over the top of the crossbar. Nobody seems to want to score!
GOAL! Hummels fires a great strike to the right that beats the outstretched limbs of Buffon and finds the back of the net.
GOAL! Parolo calmly rifles a thumping shot that once again flies into the middle of the net and beats Neuer, who dived away from it.
GOAL! Kimmich keeps his nerves in check and comfortably beats Buffon with a great shot that leaves the veteran goalkeeper with no chance. He did wonderfully well there!
GOAL! Buffon dives the right way but Boateng's shot is well placed and beats the goalkeeper by a yard or two before nestling into the back of the net.
GOAL! De Sciglio's rocket of a shot hits the underside of the crossbar before bouncing into the back of the net. His heart must have skipped a beat!
MISS! Darmian steps up and fires an unconvincing, low shot that Neuer is easily able to push away with a well-timed diving save. Germany are now just one successful penalty away from a place in the semi-finals.
GOAL! He's done it! Hector steps up and rifles a low shot under the body of Buffon and into the back of the net to keep Germany's European adventure alive!
After 120 minutes of hard-fought action and 18 penalties, the referee finally brings an end to what was an entertaining and intriguing game between two very well-drilled sides. In the end, Germany just had enough to beat Italy on penalties to finally win their first competitive game against the Azzurri, and it came thanks to a coolly taken penalty from Hector that was inches away from being saved by Buffon.
Italy will feel aggrieved at being knocked out after performing so well for the vast majority of the tournament, but in the end they were outdone by a Germany side that wouldn't stop fighting. They were arguably the best team for the majority of this evening's game and could have won it after 90 minutes if it wasn't for Boateng's clumsy handball, but in the end it is they who will now face either France or Iceland in what is sure to be an excellent semi-final clash.
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