Arsenal¡¯s Cesc Fabregas scored the winner, ending a 22-year jinx  for the Spanish; Spain had lost penalty shootouts at the quarter-final stage in three major tournaments previously, with all matches taking place on June 22.

It was the first time Spain have beaten Italy in a major competition since 1920 and has helped Spain shed their image  as perennial underachievers .

Fabregas was overjoyed to seal  the historic win. "This is wonderful, it is impossible to find the words to express such an emotion," he said, meaning that the feeling of winning was better than words can say.

Losing to Spain could well cost Italy¡¯s manager Roberto Donadoni his job but he had only praise for his team.

"I think the players should leave here with their heads held high," said Donadoni, meaning his team should feel proud of themselves.

Donadoni blamed fatigue for his team¡¯s disappointing performance, describing them as "shattered  and tired".

The result means Spain will face Russia in the semi-final on 26 June, while Germany face Turkey on 25 June.

Turkey scraped their way  into the semis with yet another dramatic late comeback , beating Croatia on penalties after equalising with the last kick of the game.

The Turks have been in front  for a total of only nine minutes in all the games they have played in Euro 2008 but have managed to knock out  teams that are seen as superior.

Turkey¡¯s manager Fatih Terim said his side¡¯s efforts were "unique in our history".

He admitted his team always seem to do things "the hard way" but explained why his team always seem to come back at the last minute.

"I tell my players never to give up," said Terim.

"I tell them that they shouldn't be afraid of losing or conceding goals. This is football. You should never give up  until the referee blows the final whistle."