England goalkeeper Joe Hart has admitted that Italy were the better team during their Euro 2012 quarter-final in Kiev.
The Azzurri have sent Roy Hodgson's men packing after winning through on penalties following a 0-0 draw and will now face Germany in the semi-final on Thursday.
Hart failed to save any of Italy's four spot-kick during the shoot-out, including one against his Manchester City teammate Mario Balotelli.
The 25-year-old said that he expected to do better when called upon to save from the spot.
"I went in confident we would win the game, I was required to step up and didn't make the saves," Hart told BBC Sport. "They were superior in regards to chances, but we were very resolute and gave everything when defending.
"I face penalties against Mario Balotelli on the training ground and I felt confident, but he took a good penalty. Of course I expect to make saves, I feel like no-one can beat me.
"I'll take away the great way we qualified. We've lost at the end of the day, but I don't think anyone has let the country down and we have adapted well to the manager."
The other semi-final pits Portugal against the holders Spain.
Michael Penkman
