Watch: Buffon breaks down after loss, says Italy 'gave our soul' at Euro 2016

Gianluigi Buffon has made a career of stopping almost everything in his path, but following Saturday's quarter-final defeat to Germany, even the iconic Italian goalkeeper was powerless to halt the flow of tears.

Related: Germany outlasts Italy in penalties, breaks hoodoo to reach Euro 2016 semis

The Azzurri, eliminated from Euro 2016 following a 6-5 defeat on penalties to Die Mannschaft, overcame a severe talent deficiency to reach this stage of the competition, something an emotional Buffon acknowledged after the contest.

"We did the most that we could do and it was almost enough, which means that when you are a team with values, organisation, tactics, then nothing becomes impossible," Buffon said.

"Conte complimented us, as he was proud of training a group of players and of men like us, who to the very end gave their last drop of sweat. We gave our soul to follow this dream.

"We each have our reasons to cry. We gave so much and came so close."

Buffon, who turned away Thomas Muller's effort and saw penalties from Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger fly wayward, continued: "It's crazy to think that Germany failed to convert three penalties and it still wasn't enough. I can't say we've had worse. This defeat was incredibly shocking to us. We go forward, as there are other duties and other responsibilities.

"The problem two years ago (at the World Cup) was we went out with so many regrets, the feeling we made mistakes and didn't do all we could. Tonight we really did try and it wasn't enough. We have to take this home."

Just as he did while on the pitch, the passionate 38-year-old fought to hold back tears during a postmatch interview.

Andrea Barzagli was equally emotional after the loss, struggling to cope with the fact that Italy's good work in the competition - highlighted by upsets of Belgium and Spain - was all for naught.

"We really did give everything," he said. "Unfortunately what we're left with is defeat and in my view nothing will remain of all the good things we did.

"All that remains is disappointment and in a few years nobody will remember anything about this Nazionale that truly gave everything.

"We really enjoyed our time together and wanted it to continue. We're sad."