Roberto Mancini s side were not at their best at Wembley Stadium, but the belief and team spirit that the ex-Manchester City manager has instilled in his squad has carried them to within reach of just their second European Championship title.
Whether it is Denmark or England who face them back under the arch on Sunday, they will have a major test on their hands in ending the Italian fairy tale.
Gianluigi Donnarumma proved to be the hero against Spain, saving Alvaro Morata s penalty in the shootout before Jorginho showed his usual coolness from the spot to nestle the winning effort into the bottom corner past a forlorn Unai Simon.
Robert Mancini, Gianluca Vialli and the great friendship inspiring Italy
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New Roma coach Mourinho says he is victim of his own success
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Senegal and Alanyaspor striker Babacar suffers heart spasm in training
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Senegal and Alanyaspor striker Babacar suffers heart spasm in training
goal.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from goal.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.