Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said he had never been in a penalty shooutout as wild as the one that saw Germany through to the Euro 2016 semifinals, 6-5 at Italy's expense on Saturday.
A semifinal against either France or Iceland awaits after Italy missed four times from the spot to Germany's three.
Neuer saved efforts from Leonardo Bonucci and Matteo Darmian in the shootout, while Simone Zaza and Graziano Pelle shot off-target.
"I have never experienced a shootout like this," Neuer said. "I think most of the Italians just aimed into the middle."
Neuer got the better of Bonucci in the shootout after the Italian had scored a penalty to equalise in the second half.
"The 1-1 score we conceded during regular time was a bit unlucky," Neuer said. "But I believe we were the better side and are deservedly through to the semifinals."
The victory was Germany's first over Italy in a major tournament, following four previous knockout-stage defeats and four group-stage defeats.
"It was something special to have so many penalty-takers, such drama," Neuer said. "We did not manage to beat Italy in 90 minutes. We did not beat Italy in 120 minutes. Then this shootout just fitted that duel between Italy and Germany.
"It wasn't that easy. It was a war of nerves. I did prepare, but none of their penalty-takers aimed where they usually do."
Sami Khedira watched most of the game from the sideline after limping off in the 12th minute, but he said injuries won't make Germany an easier target in the semifinal.
"The Mannschaft has played like one big team," Khedira said. "We didn't really allow them anything. We were very unlucky to concede.
"Mario Gomez and I had to come off. We now have some ailing players, which is normal in such a big tournament. We will once more field a competitive side in the semifinal."