Iker Casillas saved spot-kicks from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale after a goalless 120 minutes before Cesc Fabregas slid the winning penalty past Gianluigi Buffon.
Casillas, who had kept his side on level terms with a fine save with his feet from Mauro Camoranesi, helped Spain end a string of three straight penalty shoot-out defeats on June 22 in major tournaments - in the 1986 World Cup, Euro 96 and the 2002 World Cup.
Neither side really got into their stride during the first half although David Villa's powerful free-kick towards the far post forced Buffon into action.
Spain were on the front foot after the re-start and Giorgio Chiellini made a crucial tackle inside the area on David Silva who tried to punish the Italians for a defensive error.
But it was Italy had the best chance of the game in the 62nd minute with Camoranesi's close-range strike forcing Casillas to make a desperate save with his feet after confusion in the box.
Gianluca Zambrotta made a vital clearance with Villa ready to hit the target from Fabregas' brilliant cross, but there was no way of avoiding extra time.
Silva fired inches wide after Chiellini had blocked Fabregas' powerful strike inside the area after the re-start.
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