The host nation looked all-but certain of securing a place in the last four as goals from Alberto Virzi, Michele Ciresa and Andrea Ustignani saw them race into a 3-0 lead.

Canada fought back valiantly, however, and levelled the contest at 3-3 thanks to Josh Foote, Shaun Furlong and Ryan Matthews.

Neither side were able to find a winning goal in the dying stages, sending the encounter into an overtime period.

Penalties were then required to separate the two teams after the two teams were level at the end of the additional time and Ferrari stepped up to break Canadian hearts and guide his nation into the last four.

Italy will take on the United States in the semi-finals after they cruised to a dominant 7-2 triumph in their last-eight clash with Latvia.

France came from behind to clinch a place in the semi-finals of the with a 5-2 victory over Switzerland.

The 2015 silver medallists blew their Swiss opponents away with five straight goals after they had fallen behind to maintain their pursuit of a first-ever world title.

Fabian Maier put Switzerland ahead early on before Théo Fontanille, Renaud Crignier, Hugo Vitou, Maxime Langlois and Lambert Hamon all found the net to move France to the brink of the semi-finals.

Matthias Müller grabbed a late consolation for Switzerland as the French held on to book their spot in the last four.

France’s next opponents will be defending champions the Czech Republic after they cruised to a 7-2 success over Argentina.

Marek Loskot scored twice while Jakub Bernard, Tomas Rubes, Mikulas Zboril, Michal Simo and Jakub Cik were on target for the Czechs, who are seeking their fifth World Championships crown.