Daniele De Rossi could not hide his pain and disappointment at seeing his penalty saved in the shoot-out.
“Undoubtedly it is painful to go out this way, but we have our heads held up high,” said the Roma midfielder.
He was one of those who scored in Italy’s shoot-out victory in the World Cup Final, but Iker Casillas kept out his spot-kick to send Spain through to the semi-final.
De Rossi was carrying an injury and many have tried to reassure him – and Antonio Di Natale, who also missed.
“People always say the same phrases to those who miss penalties and we know that deep down, but the pain remains and so does the disappointment.
“That’s the trouble with penalties, one time you celebrate and another you go out.”
The game ended goalless after 120 minutes and De Rossi believes the Azzurri were by no means outplayed.
“Perhaps Spain had a little more than us when moving the ball around, but we had clearer chances with Camoranesi and Di Natale.”
