Buffon believes in Italy chances

To play Germany in the semi-finals, Italy must first beat England tomorrow. Buffon, 34, said: "I only ever faced England in two friendlies and we won both. "I've never played them in an important match before. I hope there will be more occasions, but I above all hope we win this one." Buffon laughed off the prospect of a penalty shoot-out against England. The potential for tomorrow's game to be decided on spot-kicks has been much-discussed in the build-up to the Kiev clash. England goalkeeper Joe Hart revealed on Thursday he had already studied videos of penalties taken by Italy's players as part of his preparations for the match. However, Buffon said: "For everyone involved, for the sake of our hearts, it would be better if we get the job done without having to resort to penalties. But if it does then we will just have to deal with it." To play Germany in the semi-finals, Italy must first beat England tomorrow. Buffon, 34, said: "I only ever faced England in two friendlies and we won both. "I've never played them in an important match before. I hope there will be more occasions, but I above all hope we win this one." Buffon laughed off the prospect of a penalty shoot-out against England. The potential for tomorrow's game to be decided on spot-kicks has been much-discussed in the build-up to the Kiev clash. England goalkeeper Joe Hart revealed on Thursday he had already studied videos of penalties taken by Italy's players as part of his preparations for the match. However, Buffon said: "For everyone involved, for the sake of our hearts, it would be better if we get the job done without having to resort to penalties. But if it does then we will just have to deal with it." FIFA .