Italy don't fear anybody, says relieved Montolivo

Riccardo Montolivo said Italy had no reason to fear anybody after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over England set up a UEFA EURO 2012 semi-final meeting with Germany on Thursday. The midfielder also spoke of his relief after sending his own spot kick wide but neither he nor team-mate Daniele De Rossi were in any doubt about who the better team were in Kyiv.

Riccardo Montolivo, Italy midfielder
It was a great relief, especially for me. I felt terrible after missing my penalty, it was really a tough moment but fortunately it ended well – we are lucky to have a goalkeeper like [Gianluigi] Buffon. However, the victory was fully deserved, we attacked for most of the game and created many chances even if we were not able to convert them. Losing on penalties after this performance would have been cruel.

We've played well in all of our games so far in the tournament. Now we will face Germany, probably the best team with Spain, but we will be ready to challenge them. We don't fear anybody, especially after a performance like tonight's.

Daniele De Rossi, Italy midfielder
It would have been a shame going out tonight. We are carrying on with something we started two years ago, with a kind of football that is not inferior to anyone perhaps bar Spain. We are doing great things and tonight more than the other games we have shown great sacrifice, a great team spirit and great focus from everybody. The players up front really helped out and this is a good sign.

I was not very lucky [with my shot on five minutes]. I thought it was going in, given the trajectory. I would have been even happier if it had helped us to go on and win the game but the joy we feel tonight is just unbelievable. We had unbelievable chances but if you play like we did tonight in the end you are going to win.