Kevin Hector was the hero as he slotted the clinching spot kick after Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian failed to beat Manuel Neuer in 18-penalty shoot-out.

Hector spared the blushes of star players Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger unable to convert for the Germans while Simone Zaza, Graziano Pelle and Leonardo Bonucci also failed.

Germany’s dramatic win was the first time they have tasted victory over Italy in nine major finals meetings.

The match ended 1-1 in regulation time after Arsenal’s Ozil scored before Bonucci levelled matters.

WATCH: Germany edge Italy on penalties

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World Cup Champions Germany are the big name players of Sunday’s Euro 2016 action as the Germans begin their pursuit of a 4th European crown when they take on Ukraine at 21:00. It has been far from plane sailing for Die Mannschaft in recent outings as the side has struggled defensively.

Although the side looked more convincing as they eased to a 2-0 win over Hungary in their final qualifying game, the Germans had fallen to a shock 3-1 defeat against Slovakia just days before. Nevertheless, Joachim Löw’s side are expected to be back to their best for their first fixture of Euro 2016.

Ukraine will have a point to prove in the tie as they aim to demonstrate they have what it takes to qualify for the knock-out stages. The side surprisingly overcame a highly rated Wales outfit 1-0 in their final warm-up game, proving they are not to be underestimated.

Croatia will been to test their credentials as one of the dark horses of the tournament when they face a competitive Turkey side in the day’s 15:00 kick-off. Croatia battled to a 1-1 draw with Hungary in their latest warm-up match and will know they need to step-up their game if they are to take all three points on offer from the Turks.

Turkey, for their part, will be hoping for better following their most recent game, a 2-1 loss at the hands of England a month ago.

The 18:00 kick-off sees Northern Ireland face off against Poland. Bizarrely, Northern Ireland boast the longest unbeaten record of any team appearing in the Euros – a run that stretches 12 games.

That run will come under severe scrutiny against Poland, however. The somewhat erratic Poles are likely to put their best foot forward against the Britsh outfit, having narrowly fallen to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Dutch in a recent warm-up fixture

Possible Germany line-up: 

Manuel Neuer,  Benedikt Howedes, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Julian Draxler, Mesut Ozil, Andre Schurrle, Thomas Muller.

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