Germany and England could meet in the European Championship final.
Germany Under-21s scored a 117th-minute winner against the nine men of Italy to reach the European Championship semi-finals.
The Italians, who played the entire extra-time period with a two-man disadvantage, looked to have held out for an unlikely penalty shootout until Merlin Rohl struck to send Antonio di Salvo's side through into the last four.
After a goalless first half, Italy took the lead in the second period through Burnley winger Luca Koleosho before Nick Woltemade levelled things up.
Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto left the pitch in tears when he was sent off for a second bookable offence and Nelson Weiper capitalised, heading in what looked to be the winner with three minutes remaining.
Italy were then reduced to nine men when Mattia Zanotti saw red before Giuseppe Ambrosino sent the game to extra-time with an outstanding free-kick in what was the last kick of regulation time.
Carmine Nunziata's side defended valiantly and held on for 27 minutes before Rohl's vicious strike from 20 yards brought to a close an all-time classic.
Three-time winners Germany will now face France in the last four on Wednesday, 25 June, while England face the Netherlands on the same night.
