Good evening and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of tonight's Euro 2012 final between Spain and Italy.
16 teams began the tournament on June 8 with hopes of success. 72 goals, 1,252 throw-ins and 1,056 tackles later - we have approached the conclusion to this summer's European tournament in Poland and Ukraine.
Current World and European Champions Spain secured a spot in the final with a penalty success over Portugal in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile, Italy overcame Germany in perhaps one of the biggest shocks of the tournament to book their place in the final two.
Spain and Italy have met just twice in the European Championships - with both matches ending in draws.
> Full team news for the match
22.00Right, that just about does it for us this evening. Thanks very much for joining Sports Mole throughout our Euro 2012 coverage. What a wonderful tournament it has been. Goodbye and goodnight!
21.58Spain line up for their picture which is certain to feature in every single newspaper in Europe tomorrow. Meanwhile, fantastic fireworks erupt.
21.56Pique proudly shows off the trophy. Just another day at the office for the Barcelona defender. He must be used to it by now!
21.54Fantastic scenes in Kiev. And I am sure those celebrations will continue well into the night.
21.54Casillas lifts the trophy as the stadium erupts!
21.54Pirlo is in tears as he watches Spain collect the trophy. There has to be loser - and sometimes you just have to lose in order to win.
21.52No team before has retained the European trophy. It's just an amazing selection of players. The scary thing? Their team is still young.
21.50And here comes Spain. What a wonderful bunch of footballers.
21.48Italy have nothing to be ashamed of this summer as they collect their medals.
21.48Lovely scenes as the Spanish players congratulate the Italians, and vice versa.
21.47Here's a word from former Italy international Gianluca Vialli on the BBC: "What's astonishing is the desire the Spanish team have to keep winning. This performance shouldn't take anything away from Italy. It's great these players have been able to give people in my country something to cheer about. But Spain were too strong."
21.46The officials are just collecting their medals. The standard of refereeing has been excellent this summer.
21.45Spain are just getting ready for the celebrations as we speak.
21.44Torres's boy looks to have some pace on him as he charges around. Star of the future?
21.42Lovely stuff on the pitch as the Spanish players parade around with their children. They have deserved this moment. Are they the best side ever? Brazil of the 1970's?
21.40Spain have also still not conceded a goal in knockout football for over 1000 minutes. Meanwhile, their 4-0 success is another European final record. We could go on and on!
21.38So there we have it. Spain secure their third consecutive major trophy with a thumping 4-0 victory over Italy in the final of Euro 2012. Italy performed admirably in the opening half, but fell behind to a David Silva goal after 14 minutes. Still Cesare Prandelli's side pushed forward - however, a goal from Jordi Alba before the break gave Spain a comprehensive lead. Italy continued to push in the second period, but they were reduced to 10 men when Thiago Motta left the field injured on the hour mark. Spain completely controlled the latter stages, and added a third and fourth courtesy of Fernando Torres and Juan Mata to cap off a sensational night.
21.37SPAIN WIN EURO 2012
FULL-TIMESpain 4-0 Italy
90 min+2Meanwhile, Torres will win the Golden Boot this year due to minutes played.
90 min+2Still Spain keep the ball in the latter stages. It really is wonderful to watch.
90 minWe will play an additional three minutes at the end of the 90.
90 minIncredible performance from Spain, but Italy have just fallen apart in the second period.
88 minIt's four for Spain as Torres finds Chelsea teammate Mata in the box - and he cannot miss from close range.
88 minGOAL! Spain 4-0 Italy (Mata)
87 minItaly can feel proud of their efforts this summer - but this was just one match too far.
86 minChange for Spain as Juan Mata gets his first taste of Euro 2012 action in place of Iniesta.
85 minIt's three, and it could be more with five minutes still to play.
84 minTorres well and truly wraps it up with a wonderful finish under the onrushing Buffon after a sensational ball from Xavi.
84 minGOAL! Spain 3-0 Italy (Torres)
82 minAnother sighter for Spain as Pedro strikes from outside the box, but his effort is weak and drifts wide.
80 minItaly have just got nothing left to give this evening. I cannot remember the last time they got our their own half.
79 minChance! Amazing miss from Pedro as he fires wide from close range. However, the Barcelona winger was offside. What incredible football in the build-up.
77 minShort, snappy passing from Xavi and Iniesta - almost like a Barcelona training session. Meanwhile, Spain might have had a penalty as Balzaretti fells Ramos in the area.
75 minChange for Spain as Fabregas is replaced by Fernando Torres. The Barcelona man has been brilliant this evening.
74 minSo nearly three for Spain as Fabregas searches out the head of Pedro in the box, but again it's good defending from Abate as he clears the danger.
72 minThe Spanish fans are in good voice - they know that they are almost there. Even with 20 minutes remaining. It's just all Spain.
70 minBrilliant work from Pedro as he cuts in down the left before searching out Fabregas. However, Balzaretti clears the danger.
68 minIt's just all Spain at the moment. Italy simply cannot get out of their own half.
67 minSpain are 'boring' some say. They are about to win their third consecutive major trophy. How incredibly boring that is!
66 minPass, pass, pass from Spain at the moment. Italy just look ever so tired. It's almost like watching a game of Football Manager - a lot of red dots running around the screen.
64 minIt's a waste for Italy as Pirlo whips a free-kick straight out of play. Truth be told, not a great deal happening at the moment.
62 minMotta goes down the tunnel. 10 vs. 11. As if it wasn't hard enough already.
62 minMotta makes his way off on a stretcher. Will Italy play the additional 30 minutes with 10 men?
61 minIt doesn't look good for Motta as he goes down under the challenge of Alonso. Italy have made all three changes.
60 minRight, 30 minutes remaining. Italy need a goal, and quick.
59 minChange for Italy as Silva is replaced by Pedro - not a bad sub.
58 min... however, Casillas palms Pirlo's effort to safety before Balotelli fires over.
57 minFree-kick for Italy in a dangerous position as Ramos fells Di Natale...
56 minChange for Italy as Montolivo is replaced by Thiago Motta.
55 minReally is end-to-end stuff at the beginning of the second period. The next goal could change this one completely.
54 minAnother chance for Spain as Iniesta slips in Fabregas. However, it just clips the Barcelona man's heel.
53 minItaly have had chances to get back into this one - but Spain are just so resilient in defence.
51 minDI NATALE! Best chance of the match for Italy as Pirlo plays in Di Natale, but his close-range strike is saved by Casillas. Oh what a chance.
50 minAnother chance for Spain as Xavi evades two challenges before searching out Fabregas in the box. However, Italy just clear the danger.
49 minPenalty shout for Spain as Ramos heads straight at Bonucci. However, no decision is forthcoming.
48 minIt's wonderful feet from Fabregas as he dances into the Italian box. However, he is just crowded out at the vital moment.
47 minSpain advance immediately down the other end - and Fabregas just drags a shot wide of Buffon's post.
46 minDI NATALE! So nearly for Italy as Abate finds Di Natale in the box, but he heads over the bar when he perhaps should have scored.
46 minHere we go then. Change for Italy at the break with Di Natale replacing Cassano.
20.46Meanwhile, here's a word from former Liverpool defender Alan Hansen on the BBC: "It was a total masterclass in passing. I don't think I've ever seen something so good. The problems they had when they played no strikers earlier in the tournament was because they passed it poorly, but when they move the ball like that it doesn't matter about not having a striker."
20.43Are we watching the best team ever in Spain? Certainly in my lifetime.
20.40Here's more from Shearer: "We have seen a master class on how to keep a hold of the ball and pass it around. Spain are playing no forwards and Jordi Alba has been getting the run down the flank time and time again. To even suggest Spain are boring is laughable. It is amazing to watch. You are probably seeing the best team ever. No team has ever done this, no team has won three tournaments on the bounce and we will see history."
20.35So there we have it. A goal apiece from David Silva and Jordi Alba hands Spain a 2-0 lead against Italy at the mid-way point of the Euro 2012 final. Italy have not been without their chances, and they have enjoyed periods of possession. However, two clinical strikes from the World and European champions have opened up a comprehensive half-time lead.
HALF-TIMESpain 2-0 Italy
45 minMeanwhile, we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
45 minYellow card for Barzagli as he cuts Iniesta down in his stride. That's what you call a good foul.
44 minChance for Italy to cut the score to 2-1 as Montolivo strikes from distance. However, Casillas beats the ball away.
43 minWhat a blow that is for Italy. They have been hit with a sucker punch there. How do they respond?
41 minJust as I say that - Spain make it two. It was a wonderful ball from Xavi and the soon-to-be Barcelona defender slots home under Buffon.
41 minGOAL! Spain 2-0 Italy (Alba)
40 minStill Italy push forward as the interval approaches. Make no mistake, they are more than in this one.
38 minWonderful link-up between Cassano and Balotelli before the latter fires over the bar. That's better from the Manchester City striker.
37 minWe haven't seen much from Balotelli in the opening half thus far. But I won't speak too soon.
36 minSpain have just begun to gather some sort of control after the spell of Italian pressure.
35 minShort, snappy passing from Spain with Iniesta and Silva involved. However, the latter is ruled offside. Spain lead 1-0 with 10 minutes of the opening half still to play.
33 minAgain it's a chance for Italy as Cassano turns on the edge of the box, but Casillas palms his strike away. Pirlo is just starting to influence the match.
31 minSo nearly for Italy as Pirlo searches out the run of Abate. However, his pass is just too long. Best spell of the game for Prandelli's side.
30 minAnother sighter for Pirlo as he strikes a free-kick from distance. However, it was always moving wide.
29 minCASSANO! Brilliant from De Rossi as he finds Cassano on the left. The striker cuts inside, but his strike is straight at Casillas.
27 minChance! So nearly for Italy as Balzaretti searches out Balotelli in the box. However, Casillas plucks the ball away. Decent spell for Italy.
26 minDesperate defending from Italy as Bonucci throws himself at the feet of Silva. However, they manage to clear the danger.
25 minFirst yellow card of the match as Pique dives in on Cassano. It was from behind.
24 minItaly enjoy their best spell of possession as Pirlo finds Abate. However, his cross is hooked away by Silva. Spain on the attack now.
23 minBalzaretti immediately gets involved as he drives into the box. However, it goes behind for a goal-kick. Italy just have not got Pirlo in the game thus far.
21 minEarly change for Italy and it's not good news for Chiellini as he is replaced by Federico Balzaretti.
20 minIt really has been a good response from Italy as they continue to flood forward. However, they are so nearly caught out as Chiellini twice gives possession away.
19 minBrilliant goalkeeping from Casillas as he thumps the ball clear. What a wonderful goalkeeper that man is.
18 minIt's been a really good response from Italy as they force a series of corners. However, Spain clear the danger - for now.
16 minChance! So nearly an equaliser for Italy as De Rossi arrives late into the area. However, Casillas palms it clear.
16 minImmediate chance for Italy to get back into it as Pirlo strikes from outside the box. However, it hits the wall and goes behind.
15 minIt has been coming. Italy have to steady themselves here. Can they respond?
14 minSpain take the lead and it's wonderful from Iniesta as plays in Fabregas before the Barcelona man crosses for Silva to head home. Brilliant.
14 minGOAL! Spain 1-0 Italy (Silva)
13 minAgain it's short snappy passing from Spain with David Silva and Xavi involved. However, the latter's pass is just too long. Spain are just starting to take control of this one.
11 minDelightful ball from Pirlo as he searches out the run of Balotelli. However, Pique comes across to clear the danger. That ball is certainly on for the Italians.
10 minXAVI! Best chance of the match for Spain as Xavi links with Fabregas before striking just over the bar.
10 minStill it's pass, pass, pass from Spain as we approach the 10 minute mark. However, Italy are so tight and compact in defence.
9 minAnd here comes the Spain pressure as they probe around the Italian box. Still no real chances for either side thus far.
7 minBrilliant link-up between Andres Iniesta and Alba down the Spain left. However, the latter's ball is cleared by Chiellini before Ramos heads over the bar.
6 minChance for Spain as Ramos strikes from all of 40 yards. However, it moved high and wide. Both sides are having a go in the early stages.
5 minSighter for Italy as Antonio Cassano searches out Balotelli in the area. However, Sergio Ramos heads the danger clear. Cassano has made a bright start to proceedings.
4 minSpain advance down the other end and it's David Silva who turns on the edge of the box. However, Bonucci clears the danger.
3 minIt's been a nice bright opening from Italy - similiar to their start against Germany. Chiellini has been involved down the left on a regular basis.
2 minFirst strike of the match comes from Italy as Pirlo hits one from distance. However, it moves wide of the post.
1 minBalotelli gains the first free-kick of the match as Ramos crashes into the striker. However, Spain quickly regain possession of the ball.
1 minHere we go then. Spain get us underway in the 2012 European Championship final.
19.45Buffon and Casillas exchange flags. It is almost time.
19.44There are no words for the Spaniard's to sing. So it would be unfair to mark. Right, that's quite enough of that. We have a match to play.
19.43Fantastic singing from the Italian players and management staff. 9/10. Now it's Spain's turn.
19.41Here we go then. Both sets of players have emerged onto the pitch. It's national anthem time. Italy first.
19.40Iker Casillas and Gianluigi Buffon stand side-by-side. The two best?
19.40The players look awfully relaxed for a European final. Lots of joking and hugs in the tunnel.
19.38Right, that's quite enough of that! The players are ready to join us on the pitch for an evening of drama.
19.36We now have each individual nation's flag joining together in the middle of the pitch. The pitch is covered in blue - and it looks like a giant swimming pool.
19.34Bravo, bravo. We now have everyone raving on the pitch to dance music. There is football after this right?!
19.32Meanwhile, we now have a football spinning while the orange contributors make the shape of a boot. It does look glorious from above.
19.30The ceremony is upon us! We have a mixture of green and orange dots darting around the pitch.
19.28Where has that hour and a half gone? Oh my word. We are little over 15 minutes from kickoff. Meanwhile, the closing ceremony will soon get underway.
19.26It really is a beautiful evening in Kiev. Perfect for football. Perfect for a Euro 2012 final.
19.24Our very own Liam Apicella has backed Italy to win on penalties this evening in our preview. And he has been known to get it right from time to time.
19.22Seven of Spain's starting XI started the World Cup final two years ago - so they will certainly not be overawed. Meanwhile, Italy's starting side are not that experienced on the international stage.
19.20Where will the match be won and lost this evening then? I don't think that Italy will just look to contain. They have proved that they are capable of beating fantastic sides by passing the ball. However, they are up against the pass masters in Spain.
19.18Tonight's referee is Pedro Proenca from Portugal. He took charge of the 2012 Champions League final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Meanwhile, he also refereed Italy's quarter-final success over England. Let's hope that he lets the game flow this evening.
19.16Here's a word from former England striker Alan Shearer on the BBC: "Spain have changed the face of how they play, with six in midfield and no striker. Coaches in the world will be looking at that and thinking if they can do that with their teams and win. Defensively, they are so hard to beat and don't concede goals. For Italy, who would have thought after drawing to New Zealand two years ago that they would be here? They thoroughly deserve it. The Spanish guys have a chance to create history by winning three majors in a row and if they do, they should be known as the best team ever."
19.14There is always a worry with matches such as this - with an incredible build-up - that they might let you down. Let's hope that is not the case tonight. We are just 30 minutes from kickoff.
19.12Meanwhile, here is a word from former England defender Martin Keown on the BBC: "One thing that was obvious from a young age with Cesc Fabregas is the simplicity in his play. Cesc always played two-touch from a very young age. He's a great viewer of movement, and he's so intelligent. He'll slot into that false number nine role. He's remarkably intelligent and he plays with inspiration and character. I honestly think the Italians could get blown away tonight."
19.10Oh how could I forget. To top it all off for a certain Mr Balotelli. A goal this evening could see him take home the Golden Boot award. It is turning out to be a good summer for the 21-year-old.
19.08Italy finished second in Group C after drawing with Croatia and beating Ireland. Meanwhile, they beat England on penalties in the quarters before recording a 2-1 win over Germany.
19.06Spain topped Group C following victories over Ireland and Croatia. Meanwhile, they also registered a 1-1 draw against Italy. They then saw off France 2-0 in the quarter-finals before beating Portugal on penalties in the semis.
19.04Meanwhile, let's take a look at how both teams make it to the final in Kiev.
19.02Andres Iniesta vs. Claudio Marchisio. Marchisio will run all night for Italy, but he must be aware of the incisive movement from the Spaniard. I expect the Italian will be in for his toughest evening thus far.
19.00Mario Balotelli vs. Gerard Pique. I am really looking forward to this one. Both are big strong players - but Pique must be alert to the swift movement of the Manchester City striker.
18.58Cesc Fabregas vs. Leonardo Bonucci. Fabregas already has two goals to his name this summer and Bonucci will be given the role of marking the little Spaniard. Bonucci has impressed for his country thus far. However, he will not fancy facing such intelligent movement.
18.56Andrea Pirlo vs. Xavi. Two of the best midfield players of this generation will go head-to-head this evening. The Spaniard has strung 465 successful passes to Pirlo?s 320 - and both players will be asked to dictate their team's play.
18.52We have gone 52 mintues without mentioning a certain Mario Balotelli. That is probably the longest! Say what you like about the 21-year-old, but he scored two fantastic goals against Germany in the last round. You just know that he will have a say this evening.
18.54Right, let's take a look at the key battles this evening.
18.50We also have the two players who have run the furthest at Euro 2012 on display this evening. Spain's Jordi Alba has run 37 miles. Meanwhile, Italy's Marchisio has run 38.
18.48The most clearances currently sits with Greek defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos at 32. Meanwhile, Franck Ribery's 38 dribbles were also the most attempted.
18.46The unfortunate stat of the most offsides goes to Republic of Ireland's Robbie Keane at seven. Meanwhile, Xavi has taken the most corners - 31.
18.44England's Steven Gerrard made 18 tackles and Spain's Alvaro Arbeloa has taken the most throw-ins - 55.
18.44On a defensive level - Denmark's Daniel Agger made the most interceptions at 19. Meanwhile, England stopper Joe Hart has made the most saves at 22.
18.42Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo produced the most shots - 37. Meanwhile, Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil created 22 chances for his teammates.
18.42Spanish midfielder Xavi has completed the most passes thus far - 575. Meanwhile, Portugal winger Nani produced the most crosses at 19.
18.40In our build-up to kickoff - which is around an hour away - we feel that it is only right to bring you the best facts and stats from the tournament this summer.
18.38Here's a word from former England defender Phil Neville on the BBC: ""We'd all love to play the Spanish way, and they're still the best team in Europe. Italy, for me, have played fantastically well. They entered with a lot of scandal surrounding them, and that created a siege mentality. There's a massive rivalry between both countries in this massive game, but for me Spain are favourites. They've won the last two major tournaments and they've got the players with the greater confidence."
18.36As mentioned, the pair have already played out a 1-1 draw in Group C on June 10. It was a tight affair, with Cesc Fabregas equalising late on after Antonio Di Natale had given Italy the lead. The Spanish dominated possession, but Italy performed confidently throughout the 90 minutes.
18.34Meanwhile, Italy have a lovely balance to their side this evening. Andrea Pirlo will be expected to pull the strings while Riccardo Montolivo and Claudio Marchisio provide the legs.
18.32It's the old 'false striker' for Spain this evening with Fabregas given that role. However, if you are Fernando Torres - then surely you are not a happy camper.
18.30So there we have it. Fabregas comes in for Spain at the expense of Negredo. Meanwhile, Ignazio Abate replaces Federico Balzaretti for Italy.
18.28Team News: Italy: Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo; Cassano, Balotelli
18.28Team News: Spain: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Xabi Alonso; Iniesta, Silva, Fabregas
18.26BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Fabregas starts in attack for Spain.
18.26As mentioned, Italy and Spain have met six times before in major tournaments. Italy won 1-0 in the first clash at the 1934 World Cup. Meanwhile, Italy also won in the last eight of the 1994 World Cup.
18.24The Azzurri are facing Spain for the 31st time this evening - with their record reading won ten drawn 12 and lost eight. Both sides seem quite well matched thus far huh? Italy also inflicted the heaviest defeat in Spain's history when they beat them 7-1 in the 1928 Olympics.
18.22Spain have won four of seven penalty shootouts. Meanwhile, Italy's record is three wins out of eight. They lost their first four, but like Spain, they have won three of their last four. Something has to give right?!
18.20With that in mind, let's take a look at both side's penalty success in recent years. I am glad I am not doing this for England!
18.18Despite their final appearance this summer - Cesare Prandelli's side have won just two of their last eight games in 90 minutes. Does that mean we are heading for penalties?
18.16Meanwhile, Italy have reached the final of eight World Cups or European Championships. Some record. However, their only European Championship success was in 1968.
18.14Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque could also become just the second coach to win the World Cup and European Championship this evening - matching the record held by former West Germany boss Helmut Schon.
18.12Spanish number one Iker Casillas has also had just one shot on target to deal with in Spain's two knockout matches against France and Portugal. They have been called 'boring' - but their recrord is unchallenged in world football.
18.10But wait, it gets better. They have kept nine consecutive clean sheets in knockout games at major tournaments and another tonight would certainly go a long way to aiding their push for glory.
18.08Spain are unbeaten in 11 European Championship finals matches - a new record. They have not lost since a 1-0 reverse to Portugal in Euro 2004.
18.06We expect to have the confirmed team news in around 30 minutes or so - when it will be revealed who starts in attack for Spain. Will it be Fernando Torres? Alvaro Negredo? Or will Cesc Fabregas be given the chance to play as a 'false' striker once more? Early suggestions are that Fabregas has been given the nod.
18.04Spain and Italy met in the group stages this year - with the pair playing out a 1-1 draw in Group C. This will be the fourth time that the European Championship final has provided a rematch of a group encounter.
18.04However, the Iberian outfit have not registered a competitive victory over Italy in nearly a century. They have also won one and lost five of their last 11 previous meetings.
18.02Spain are bidding to become the first team in history to win three consecutive major tournaments this evening following success in 2008 and 2012.
18.00Hello all! So it all boils down to this evening after 275 players played in 30 games over the last 23 days.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
