Italy striker Simone Zaza has apologised to the Azzurri fans following his shock penalty miss in the side’s Euro 2016 loss to Germany.

Zaza was substituted on for the Italians moments before the final whistle in extra time action; with the soul purpose of finding the back of the net from the penalty spot.

‘I missed the most important penalty of my career and it will be with me for the rest of my life. I’m sorry to have disappointed Italians,’ Zaza told Mediaset. 

‘I have always taken my penalties like that and was convinced I would score.  I did send Manuel Neuer the wrong way, but unfortunately the ball went too high.’

The Italian has faced further criticism on social media for the bizarre nature of his run-up prior to the miss.

WATCH: Zaza ‘sorry’ after comical penalty miss

Photo: Reuters