England and Italy remain level at 0-0 after a lively 45 minutes of football in their Euro 2012 quarter-final encounter.

England made a shaky start to proceedings when Joe Hart sliced straight out of play within the opening minute. Meanwhile, all Italy's early possession came through their playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

Federico Balzaretti sent in a dangerous early cross for the Italians early on, before Daniele De Rossi thumped the post with a curling effort after just four minutes.

England had a glorious chance to take the lead after five minutes, however, when Glen Johnson drifted into the box, but Gianluigi Buffon produced a wonderful save to deny the Liverpool man at close range.

England had another fine chance after 11 minutes when Wayne Rooney searched out Danny Welbeck in the box, but Leonardo Bonucci made a fine challenge, before Scott Parker fired wide moments later.

Rooney was next to come close for England when Johnson found the striker in the box, but he just fired his header over.

Antonio Cassano struck high for Italy after 22 minutes, while Mario Balotelli was denied by a fantastic challenge from John Terry after 26 minutes.

Balotelli again came close after 32 minutes, but his strike was collected by his Manchester City teammate Hart.

England advanced immediately down the other end, but Welbeck fired over when he might have done better.

Cassano struck another powerful effort ten minutes before the break, but Hart palmed the ball to safety.

Italy had another wonderful chance after 40 minutes when Cassano found Balotelli with a header in the box, but somehow England cleared the danger.

Italy continued to dominate possession as the half advanced, but the match entered the break at 0-0.