Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a dour goalless draw in Vienna.

Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post. Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale. Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.

The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides. There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.

Having made a stuttering start to their qualifying campaign, Steve McClaren's side simply cannot afford to drop points against opponents languishing near the bottom of the Group E table.

The build up for this vital must win game has been dominated over the last few days by McClaren's decision to recall David Beckham to the squad. Although he has been in good form for Real Madrid recently, many people are unconvinced that Beckham can still make an impact on the international stage.

After the dismal performance against Israel and England's laboured victory against Andorra in their last competitive outing, the players will be desperate to please their travelling fans with a positive performance.

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