DORTMUND, Germany -- The Italians must have their fingers crossed it doesn't come down to penalties.
The Azzuri take on Germany in their World Cup semifinal in Dortmund on Tuesday knowing that the host has a knack for spot-kicks, and the Italians will be hoping it doesn't end with a nerve-jangling shootout spectacle.
Penalties are as cruel to Italy as they are to England. The Italians lost their 1994 final to Brazil in a shootout, the first and only final to be decided that way, as well as their '90 semifinal against Argentina and their '98 quarterfinals against France in the same way.