That brings us to the end of an unforgettable tournament. After a difficult few months for all of us across the world, Euro 2020 has managed to lift spirits and break hearts, all at once. There's a magic to international football that's inexplicable - it captures hearts and minds, it creates the history that makes this sport truly special.
For all the England fans out there - chin up! It will come home eventually. And to all the Italy fans - Forza Azzurri!
It's been an absolute pleasure covering this game, and I'd like to thank all my readers for sticking with my live updates to witness history being created tonight! Until next time, this is Aditya Hosangadi signing off - cheers, have a good night!
And there we have it! Giorgio Chiellini takes the trophy to the rest of the team, and the Italian Job is complete! They needed a fair bit of luck and some brilliance from their goalkeeper at the end, but they won't care in the slightest.
No conversation about this Italy team is complete without mention of Roberto Mancini. He has taken some brave decisions during his time as Italy's manager, and they've paid off today.
Mancini has suffered heartbreak at Wembley in the past - he was a part of the famous Sampdoria side that lost the European Cup to Barcelona in 1992, right here on this soil. For him, vindication could not have come at a better time! Football, bloody hell.
Incredible scenes at Wembley as Italy prove - once again - that they put the team before all else. Leonardo Spinazzola was one of the Azzurri's best players at Euro 2020 before he was ruled out with a long-term injury, and his mates put him at the front of the line to collect his winners' medal.
Gianluigi Donnarumma is the Player of the Tournament. Goalkeepers seldom get the credit they deserve, and Donnarumma's individual victory is a testament to fairness on a night that was particularly harsh to England's young guns.
Donnarumma wins player of the tournament- he seems shocked.
To say that the Azzurri have fought tooth and nail is an understatement. Both on and off the pitch, Mancini and his charges have had to prove their credentials and answer questions that should never have been fielded to a world-class team such as this. Fortune favours the brave, as they say.
Italy thoroughly deserve to be European champions, not just for their sheer talent and quality but also for the grit and resolve they've shown these past weeks. Roberto Mancini's team has transformed over the past two years, and will now be remembered as one of the best Azzurri sides in history.
One of my favourite parts of Mauricio Pochettino’s book. So hope this week doesn’t become all about those who missed. England as a collective came a long way but came up narrowly short. This doesn’t need to be reduced to individual snapshots. pic.twitter.com/xgiIye2E6Q
Heartbreaking. But this squad has a bright future and they’ve lifted the nation both on and off the pitch after a shocking year or so. Bring on The @FIFAWorldCup in Qatar. #ThreeLions
Wembley is stunned, the silence is deafening. For the first time at Euro 2020, this historic stadium has gone eerily quiet.
Heartwarming scenes there as Chiellini goes straight up to Harry Kane and gives him a hug, some words of sage advice as well. England are heartbroken, but take nothing away from their brilliance at this tournament. Penalty shoot-outs are fair, but they can also be harsh. They've been called the Three Lions for generations, and this group has done justice to that moniker this month.
Gareth Southgate knows all too well what it's like to miss a penalty at the Euros, and he'll be the perfect man to pick those youngsters back up and on their feet in the dressing room. The story's not over yet - the World Cup is only 16 months away, and something tells me this team is just getting started.
A penalty shoot-out for the ages. Gianluigi Donnarumma, you absolute legend. Well that's what he is now, a bonafide Azzurri legend. A fitting reward for this Italy side's magnificent journey.
DONNARUMMA WINS THE TROPHY FOR ITALY!!!
Saka steps up for England, 19 years of age..
What a moment!! Italy were one kick away from glory, but Pickford has denied them!!
SAVED BY PICKFORD!! England are fighting back!
Jorginho for Italy, to win the UEFA Euro 2020. Master penalty taker, the most decisive moment in this tournament.
SAVE, A MASSIVE SAVE FROM DONNARUMMA! Italy are still up, 3-2!
Jadon Sancho for England, a crucial moment!
Straight down the middle from Bernardeschi!
SCORES!! 3-2 TO ITALY!
Bernardeschi now, for Italy..
It's that stutter again, and he sends Donnarumma the wrong way. The shot crashes into the post though, and we're back where we began!
OH, HE MISSES!! Parity is restored!
Marcus Rashford for England..
Pickford was very close to getting a hand on that, but the height saved Bonucci there.
SCORES!! 2-2, but England still on top.
Leonardo Bonucci now, to keep Italy in the contest..
Into the roof of the net from Harry Maguire, and no one's stopping that! Brilliant penalty!
MAGUIRE SCORES!!! 2-1!
Harry Maguire, the Manchester United captain. For England, to take the advantage.
EXCELLENT SAVE FROM PICKFORD!! Still 1-1, and England have the advantage!
Belotti for Italy now..
Pure venom in that shot. Donnarumma guessed right and nearly got to it, but stood no chance in the end.
SCORES!!! 1-1, we're level!
It's the England captain now, Harry Kane..
A clean strike, and he sends Pickford the wrong way. Good start for Italy.
BERARDI SCORES! 1-0 to Italy!
Berardi to take the first penalty for Italy. Up against Jordan Pickford.
Right, so here we are..
Pickford and Donnarumma, they're shaking hands and walking towards the posts. We've seen dramatic penalty shoot-outs this year, the Europa League final, and Italy's semi-final just last week. This will likely outperform them all.
Gareth Southgate does not have particularly fond memories of penalty shoot-outs at the Euros, but that will be the last thing on his mind now. This is an opportunity for redemption, for both England and Southgate.
England were dumped out of Euro 2012 by Italy in a similar fashion, but it's a different set of players on the pitch tonight. History is fascinating, but it does not have much of a bearing on what's happening out there right now.
2 - EURO 2020 will be only the second European Championship final to be decided via a penalty shootout, after the 1976 showpiece. Nerves. #ENG#ITA#EURO2020
120 minutes of a fairly even contest, and we have another penalty shoot-out. But this one's different. This one is MASSIVE.
Penalties to decide the winners of the Euros, for only the second time in history.
WE GO TO PENALTIES!
120 + 3' Probably Italy's last chance there, and it goes begging. Some good build-up play and the Azzurri put the ball into the box, but no one's there to attack it. Harmlessly floats out of play.
120 + 1' A few tense moments after Italy's corner! The ball flashes across the face of goal and Italy attempt another cross. Kalvin Phillips keeps his cool, however, and hoofs the ball up the pitch.
120' Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho replace Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker. England clearly preparing for penalties..
120' Florenzi wins a late, late corner for Italy. Can they sneak a winner here?
We're less than two minutes away from more penalty drama at Euro 2020..
118' Alessandro Florenzi comes on for Emerson, Italy with a late change.
117' Hand ball claim from Italy! Bernardeschi shoots straight at Stones, it does hit the defender's arm but that was never going to be a penalty.
115' Anything close to Donnarumma, and you can be sure he'll claim it. Uses his massive frame to reach this ball easily, and even takes out one of his mates in the process.
Free-kick for England..
114' Jorginho and Grealish clatter into each other in midfield and they're both down in pain. Jorginho was clearly in the wrong there, and goes into the referee's book.
111' Brilliant recovery from Chiellini!! Sterling seems to have beaten the veteran, but Chiellini gets back up and makes a crucial intervention.
109' End-to-end stuff! Stones was a whisker away from a header into the net but Donnarumma clears. Italy break away on the counter and manage a dangerous cross, but England survive.
107' Bernardeschi on target! There's plenty of sting on it and Pickford fumbles, but he's able to recover before Jorginho can take advantage.
106' Yellow Card for Harry Maguire. Belotti shields the ball and earns a foul from Maguire. Italy have a free-kick in another dangerous position..
WE'RE UNDERWAY! Italy get the final 15 minutes started, going from right to left.
Far too comfortable for the two ageing, yellow-carded, talented, organised Italian warhorses at centre half. England need to give them a lot more to worry about.
We haven't seen any changes in the scoreline in what has been an evenly contested 15 minutes. We're maddeningly close to a penalty shoot-out here. Will one of these players cut this contest short and make history?
FIRST HALF OF EXTRA TIME: Italy 1-1 England
105 + 1' Hand ball from Locatelli, and England have a chance with a set-piece. Poor delivery from Shaw, and there was a foul by England anyway. Scores still level.
One minute of added time.
105' Harry Kane battles with Jorginho for the ball and concedes a foul in the process.
103' BIG chance for Italy! Walker commits himself, but Emerson skips past him with ease. Bernardeschi and Belotti are both inches away from glory, but Pickford manages to get a touch and England survive.
102' First attack involving Jack Grealish, and he's hounded by the Italians. Tries to link up with Saka on the left, but the ball goes out of play.
100' England have found their feet here in extra time, and Italy are resorting to a few desperate clearances at the moment. Taking Verratti off seems to have taken Italy's domination of the ball away as well.
99' Here he is, man of the moment. Jack Grealish replaces Mason Mount, and Wembley lets out a roar of delight.
Wembley is finding its voice again, and it's a man on the bench causing all the excitement. We're going to see Jack Grealish!
97' Meanwhile, Manuel Locatelli has come on for Marco Verratti.
97' PHILLIPS!! Italy clear the set-piece but Kalvin Phillips controls it at the edge of the area. Takes his shot, and nearly gets it on target.
96' CRUCIAL TACKLE FROM CHIELLINI!! A quick turnover sees Raheem Sterling in acres of space on the left, but Chiellini does brilliantly to get in the way of his cross. Corner for England.
94' Much like the end of that second half, extra time has been scrappy so far. Neither side wants to concede an advantage now, and there are a number of tussles and tackles flying around.
92' Bernardeschi thinks he's won a corner but there was a foul off the ball from Emerson. England have the free-kick.
91' Andrea Belotti is on for Lorenzo Insigne. Italy bringing on a powerful striker in extra time.
EXTRA TIME! We're back again, England kick things off from right to left.
Seems like every game in 2021 has gone to extra-time...
— These Football Times (@thesefootytimes) July 11, 2021
Bonucci's goal was the culmination of a distinct shift in momentum towards Italy's corner, and the Azzurri have been the better team ever since. The 20 or so minutes since the goal have been fairly scrappy, however, and there's a good chance that this game will go down to the wire.
For what feels like the millionth time at Euro 2020, we have extra time. Is it coming home or going to Rome? We know about as much as did at the start of this game.
Make no mistake, this has been an excellent match-up between two decidedly tactical outfits. Southgate seized the initiative at the start, but Mancini's men have responded brilliantly in the second half.
1-1 AFTER 90 MINUTES! We have extra-time in the Euro 2020 final.
90 + 6' Yellow Card for Giorgio Chiellini. Blatant, but a tactical foul. Bukayo Saka was well on his way towards Donnarumma there, and Chiellini - knowing full well he doesn't stand a chance in the foot race - pulls his man down. Takes one for the team!
90 + 5' Italy are looking for a way in at the moment, and make their way forward with some intricate play. The cross into the box is a touch too high, though, and England are rid of the danger.
90 + 2' They can't - not yet, at least. Italy win the ball back at the edge of their area and draw a foul, they're back in possession.
England have a set-piece and they've thrown numbers forward. Can they find a late winner?
SIX minutes of stoppage-time.
90' Sterling goes down again, and gets nothing from the referee. Italy's counter doesn't add up to much either. We haven't seen a concrete chance in quite a while here.
89' Another excellent run from Sterling, he skips past two challenges and finds himself in the box. Bonucci is the last man standing and sticks with his man all the way to see the ball out of play. Goal kick!
A fair few stoppages in play here, and both teams seem quite frustrated at the moment. We're probably in for a long night here..
85' It's the end of the game for Chiesa, one of Italy's brightest players tonight. Federico Bernardeschi is his replacement.
84' Yellow Card for Lorenzo Insigne. The forward throws himself recklessly into Phillips and earns a booking.
83' Chance for England! It's that man Luke Shaw again on the left with a cut-back this time. Sterling tries to control it with his body but Italy are able to clear their lines.
Chiesa's back on the pitch, and Wembley don't seem to like it very much. Not the most surprising thing you'll see today.
82' Chiesa is limping off the pitch - dire signs for Italy.. England kick things off again, and Italy are temporarily a player short.
Brief stoppage in play and Chiesa receives treatment. The Juve winger won the corner that got Italy their goal, and has been difficult to mark, to say the least.
80' Chiesa is down near the penalty area at the moment after a blistering run, but he's unlikely to get anything from the referee. The medical team is on the pitch to help him out, but he'll get no assistance from VAR because contact was clearly made outside the area.
78' The game is started to have a stretched feel to it, with both teams looking for the winner. You could cut the tension with a butter knife here..
75' Another chance, this time for Cristante! Insigne finds the Roma man in a tight space but a heavy touch allows Pickford to smother the ball. A few close shaves here, and England need to get back into the contest.
74' Jordan Henderson comes on for Declan Rice, who's been one of England's best players on the pitch tonight.
73' CHANCE FOR BERARDI!! Italy with a wonderful route-one pass, Berardi has no option but to take it on the volley and gets too much on his shot.
England had Italy on the ropes first 20, and they looked rattled. They have squandered that, and Italy have taken advantage of the shift in tone superbly.
71' Bukayo Saka is on for Kieran Trippier. England need to respond, and they need to do it soon.
70' Italy are clearly on top at the moment - they've been at their best for most of this half. Must have been some team talk from Mancini at half time.
An Italy corner wreaks absolute havoc in the penalty area, and Bonucci shows prime poacher instincts to thrash the ball into the back of the net from barely a yard out. Not the prettiest of sights, but Italy will not care. Parity has been restored!!
There it is! The equaliser!! Wembley is bursting at the seams again, but it's that small pocket of Italian voices rocking the stadium this time!
67' GOOOOAAAAAL LEONARDO BONUCCI! 1-1!
64' Close from John Stones! His header takes a deflection, and England can't do much with their second corner.
63' England have a corner now, against the run of play. A second goal here would take the wind out of Italy's sails..
62' Excellent save from Pickford!! Chiesa is clearly the danger man tonight - he skips past a fair few Englishmen and pulls the trigger. Pickford gets down to make a stop, and what a crucial stop it was!
60' Hand ball from Emerson - Italy were close to a dangerous shot there. They are getting better with every attack, but it will count for nothing if they don't take their chances.
A little over 30 minutes left in this contest, and Italy are steadily progressing towards the kitchen sink. They've been much better in the second half, but are yet to draw a proper save from Pickford.
57' Chance! Tight angle for Insigne, but he takes his chances anyway. England clear their lines but seem to be on the back foot at the moment.
56' Maguire! He always seem to get to his headers and reaches this one quite easily. It doesn't trouble Donnarumma, however, and Italy start again.
55' Yellow Card for Leonardo Bonucci. Italy seems to be losing their tempers here, and Bonucci clatters into Sterling. One of the more obvious bookings you'll see on the pitch.
54' Bryan Cristante on for Nicolo Barella, Domenico Berardi on for Ciro Immobile. Double change for Italy, and that's plenty of dynamism in their veins now with these two substitutions.
53' Horribly wayward from Insigne. Cuts in from the left in trademark style, but that shot is anything but vintage. Nearly went out for a throw-in.
52' Excellent defending from Kyle Walker. Chiesa look dangerous on the counter, and looks to switch play. Walker seems to be tasked with an awkward header, but easily bunts it down into Pickford's arms. Calm as you like!
51' INSIGNE!! That was close - very close - to the far post. Plenty of power on that shot, but it's not on target.
50' Free-kick! Sterling - still visibly unhappy with the decision that went against him - bundles into Lorenzo Insigne. Italy could not ask for a better distance from goal for this free-kick.
Chiellini and Bonucci were both in trouble there. A slightly better touch from Sterling and he would've doubled England's lead. A second goal could potentially put an end to this contest..
48' Sterling!! Nearly goes through Italy's defence and goes down in the box! Wembley screams for a penalty but it's not given, and rightly so.
47' Yellow Card for Nicolo Barella The referee's had enough of the lunging tackles, and Barella goes into the book.
46' Italy have immediately pushed up here and are looking to get a few crosses in. The Azzurri are in desperate need of a spark of inspiration, and they need it early in this second half.
THE SECOND HALF IS UNDERWAY! England kick things off, going from left to right.
Most ball recoveries in the first half of the #Euro2020Final
England have options at their disposal too, and it's been one of the highlights of their Euro 2020. Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, and Jude Bellingham are all on the bench, in addition to Wembley's favourite magician at the moment - Jack Grealish.
Both Italy and England have aces up their sleeve, and we should be in for one hell of a second half. Back in a few minutes!
On a tactical level, Mancini has totally been outwitted and I’m not sure he will correct it. Or at least not in time
Italy have been made to toil - not just by a well-drilled and hungry England team, but also by a Wembley crowd that seems in the mood for a party. The Azzurri have improved since the half-hour mark, but the likes of Insigne and Immobile will need to play much more of a part for their team to stand a chance.
Will Mancini make changes? He certainly has options on the bench - Locatelli, Berardi, Pessina, Belotti, they're all capable of making an impact.
England got off to the perfect start and scored the fastest-ever goal in a Euro final. The Three Lions bossed the first half-hour and were the better team for much of the half.
Luke Shaw is 45 minutes away from becoming an immortal English legend at the moment - possibly even a knighthood, who knows? The Manchester United left-back's excellent volley remains the difference between the two sets of players as they walk down that tunnel.
HALF TIME: Italy 0-1 England
45 + 4' Ambitious, very ambitious, from Bonucci. Takes a shot from a good 40 yards away and Pickford happily watches it sail into the crowd.
45 + 2' Pickford's first save, and it's more of a pick-me-up than an actual save. Verratti gets no power behind a shot that follows Immobile's blocked attempt, and Italy have to start again.
Four minutes of added time..
45' Italy are on the front foot at the moment, but England get back in numbers and seem to have a spring in their step. Insigne has a few good touches in the final third but is unable to make his way through England's defence.
41' Italy win a free-kick now, and have a set-piece opportunity. Verratti steps up with an accurate delivery, but Maguire rises highest to clear.
38' Poor, poor tackle from Emerson, throws himself at Rice after a heavy touch. He did manage to get a touch of the ball, and that's what saves him in the end.
36' Brilliant work from Luke Shaw!! Shakes off Di Lorenzo with ease and drills a dangerous cross into the penalty area - Emerson is in the right place and hoofs it clear.
35' CHIESA! Sheer persistence from the Juve man. Takes England's defence on, fires a powerful shot, and it's not far away. Italy's first chance!
34' England nearly find a way through! Sterling and Mount link up in the final third, and the Chelsea man is inches away from finding his teammate in space in the area.
That opening half-hour has been by far England's best spell of the tournment so far. So commanding.
31' Italy have managed to slow the game down and their midfield is pushing forward now. They've already spent one-third of the game getting a foot in the door, though, and are yet to find that all-important equaliser.
28' Insigne takes his chances from distance, but he's never going to trouble Pickford with that shot.
Jorginho is back on the pitch, Italy are now at full strength. This half as raced along, and Italy have largely been bystanders so far..
25' Raheem Sterling finds a surprising amount of space through the middle and dances past his man. Can't get past the defence though, and Italy look to mount a counter.
24 Italy are momentarily down to ten men and they're taking their time with the game. Understandably so, given England's supremely effective press so far.
22' Jorginho is down at the moment and is receiving treatment. Worrying signs for Italy - he's one of their most important players..
Italy still seem in shock after that early goal. England are bossing this game at the moment, and the Azzurri seem unable to complete their passes.
17' A wonderfully lofted pass by Jorginho to find Emerson on the left, but the full-back is marginally offside. Better from Italy, but they're back to square one.
15' Italy clear their lines quite easily, and Trippier's cross on the follow-up is smothered by Donnarumma. Italy are behind by a fair distance at the moment.
14' Donnarumma - the biggest man on that pitch - easily claims the ball. Italy's counter breaks down almost immediately though, and England are back in control and win another corner.
13' Trippier finds himself in acres of space yet again and has far too much time to weigh his cross. Shaw couldn't get there this time though, but England do have a corner.
10' England break through Italy's lines yet again with a nice through ball, but Chiellini is on hand to intercept the cut-back. The Three Lions clearly want a second, and they've visibly been the better team so far..
Roberto Mancini needs his players to keep calm right now. The Wembley crowd is in no mood to take the pressure off, so the onus is entirely on Italy. Plenty of time left in this game..
8' Insigne!! Goes over the wall but can't get it to dip. Pickford moves well but sees the ball fly over his post.
7' Chiesa looks for an immediate response with his dribble and Luke Shaw intervenes with a tackle. Italy have a free-kick in a dangerous area on the right.
5' Italy have started seeing more of the ball now and will need to bounce back quickly. England's press is intense, and the Azzurri have now won a free-kick in their own half.
Wembley is bouncing. I mean, literally bouncing. Never quite seen a reaction like that to a goal. But then I've never seen England take the lead two minutes into the final of a major tournament.
Italy don't do much with their corner, and England break away on the counter. Trippier has time and space to weigh his options on the right, and sees Luke Shaw in space. But that goal was all about the finish. You'll seldom see a volley so well-controlled and sweetly struck. Luke Shaw, genius!
WHAT. A. START.
2' GOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAL LUKE SHAW!!!! ENGLAND 1-0!!!
1' Are those nerves I see? Harry Maguire attempts a back pass but is uncharacteristically sloppy. Early corner for Italy.
KICK-OFF! Italy get things underway, attacking from left to right.
Time for the anthems!
The noise levels at Wembley are deafening, and you'd be living under a rock if you're expecting anything less from this stadium.
Italy are on a 33-match unbeaten streak at the moment. Vittorio Pozzo's World Cup winners in the 1930s have already been surpassed by this Roberto Mancini juggernaut. A European Championship would be the perfect icing on an already wonderful cake.
So here we are. Two teams on unbeaten streaks that evaded some of the greatest international teams in history. And yet, one of them will end - has to end - tonight.
Wembley Stadium has witnessed several historic occasions over the past century, but this is no mere addition to the list. Make no mistake, this means the world to England, its fans, and its sporting history.
Italy have named an unchanged line-up for this fixture and will hope that the likes of Verratti and Jorginho and seize control of proceedings here. The Azzurri's talented midfield struggled against Spain last week and have a point to prove tonight at Wembley.
For the first time since their clash against Germany, England have opted for a three-man defence. The ploy worked wonders against Die Mannschaft and could prove effective against Italy's aggressive approach to the game.
Maguire, Stones, and Walker have been pillars of consistency so far and will be put to the test against the Azzurri. Mason Mount will likely play up front behind Sterling and Kane, and his creativity could prove decisive tonight.
England Official Line-ups (3-4-3): Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, John Stones; Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips; Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane
Substitutes: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Conor Coady, Reece James, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho, Tyrone Mings, Aaron Ramsdale, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka
Italy Official Line-ups (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Emerson Palmieri, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile
Substitutes: Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi, Alessandro Bastoni, Bryan Cristante, Alessandro Florenzi, Rafael Toloi, Alex Meret, Andrea Belotti, Manuel Locatelli, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Pessina, Salvatore Sirigu
LINE-UPS ARE OUT!
England have several options in their squad and their bench strength was effectively the difference victory and defeat against Denmark.
Italy also have a host of talented players at their disposal but are unlikely to veer away from their tried-and-tested combination. Ciro Immobile has not been at his best in the knock-outs but his stature and experience works in his favour this weekend.
We're about an hour away from an official line-ups so in the meantime, here are a few statistics to keep you company:
Right, so we're less than three hours away from kick-off at the moment. Both teams have some serious talent in their ranks, and you can find the team news and predictions here:
To say that this is an emotional game for England is the understatement of the century. For 55 years, the island nation has waited with bated breath to watch their team in a final. The Euro 2020 offers the current crop a golden opportunity - a shot at immortality.
That brings us to the question on everyone's minds: is it really coming home? Wembley certainly seems to think so. Mancini's charges - the big-game monsters that they are - will likely thrive on a hostile crowd and a buzzing atmosphere.
Italy have defied all their skeptics this season and have been a near-unstoppable force under Roberto Mancini. Wembley Stadium will not make it easy for the Azzurri, but you can count on the likes of Chiellini, Bonucci, and Insigne to be up for a fight.
51 matches. 140 goals scored. Footballing drama for the ages. And it all boils down to this.
The UEFA Euro 2020 has arguably been one of the most engaging competitive tournaments in recent history. England and Italy are the only two nations left, and Wembley Stadium is set to bear witness to a contest that will go down in history.
I'm Aditya Hosangadi, your host for the evening, and we're hours away from the culmination of what has been an exceptional competition.
For all the England fans out there - chin up! It will come home eventually.
And to all the Italy fans - Forza Azzurri!
It's been an absolute pleasure covering this game, and I'd like to thank all my readers for sticking with my live updates to witness history being created tonight! Until next time, this is Aditya Hosangadi signing off - cheers, have a good night!
Italy have conquered UEFA Euro 2020!
Mancini has suffered heartbreak at Wembley in the past - he was a part of the famous Sampdoria side that lost the European Cup to Barcelona in 1992, right here on this soil. For him, vindication could not have come at a better time! Football, bloody hell.
Let me rephrase that: Euro 2020 belongs to Italy!
To say that the Azzurri have fought tooth and nail is an understatement. Both on and off the pitch, Mancini and his charges have had to prove their credentials and answer questions that should never have been fielded to a world-class team such as this. Fortune favours the brave, as they say.
Italy thoroughly deserve to be European champions, not just for their sheer talent and quality but also for the grit and resolve they've shown these past weeks. Roberto Mancini's team has transformed over the past two years, and will now be remembered as one of the best Azzurri sides in history.
Heartwarming scenes there as Chiellini goes straight up to Harry Kane and gives him a hug, some words of sage advice as well. England are heartbroken, but take nothing away from their brilliance at this tournament. Penalty shoot-outs are fair, but they can also be harsh. They've been called the Three Lions for generations, and this group has done justice to that moniker this month.
Gareth Southgate knows all too well what it's like to miss a penalty at the Euros, and he'll be the perfect man to pick those youngsters back up and on their feet in the dressing room. The story's not over yet - the World Cup is only 16 months away, and something tells me this team is just getting started.
England were dumped out of Euro 2012 by Italy in a similar fashion, but it's a different set of players on the pitch tonight. History is fascinating, but it does not have much of a bearing on what's happening out there right now.
Penalties to decide the winners of the Euros, for only the second time in history.
Belotti shields the ball and earns a foul from Maguire. Italy have a free-kick in another dangerous position..
Italy get the final 15 minutes started, going from right to left.
Italy 1-1 England
We're back again, England kick things off from right to left.
Make no mistake, this has been an excellent match-up between two decidedly tactical outfits. Southgate seized the initiative at the start, but Mancini's men have responded brilliantly in the second half.
We have extra-time in the Euro 2020 final.
Blatant, but a tactical foul. Bukayo Saka was well on his way towards Donnarumma there, and Chiellini - knowing full well he doesn't stand a chance in the foot race - pulls his man down. Takes one for the team!
The forward throws himself recklessly into Phillips and earns a booking.
Italy seems to be losing their tempers here, and Bonucci clatters into Sterling. One of the more obvious bookings you'll see on the pitch.
Double change for Italy, and that's plenty of dynamism in their veins now with these two substitutions.
Sterling - still visibly unhappy with the decision that went against him - bundles into Lorenzo Insigne. Italy could not ask for a better distance from goal for this free-kick.
The referee's had enough of the lunging tackles, and Barella goes into the book.
England kick things off, going from left to right.
Both Italy and England have aces up their sleeve, and we should be in for one hell of a second half. Back in a few minutes!
Will Mancini make changes? He certainly has options on the bench - Locatelli, Berardi, Pessina, Belotti, they're all capable of making an impact.
Italy 0-1 England
But that goal was all about the finish. You'll seldom see a volley so well-controlled and sweetly struck. Luke Shaw, genius!
Italy get things underway, attacking from left to right.
Wembley Stadium has witnessed several historic occasions over the past century, but this is no mere addition to the list. Make no mistake, this means the world to England, its fans, and its sporting history.
Maguire, Stones, and Walker have been pillars of consistency so far and will be put to the test against the Azzurri. Mason Mount will likely play up front behind Sterling and Kane, and his creativity could prove decisive tonight.
Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, John Stones; Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips; Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane
Substitutes:
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Conor Coady, Reece James, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho, Tyrone Mings, Aaron Ramsdale, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka
Gianluigi Donnarumma; Emerson Palmieri, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Giovanni Di Lorenzo; Jorginho, Marco Verratti, Nicolo Barella; Federico Chiesa, Lorenzo Insigne, Ciro Immobile
Substitutes:
Domenico Berardi, Federico Bernardeschi, Alessandro Bastoni, Bryan Cristante, Alessandro Florenzi, Rafael Toloi, Alex Meret, Andrea Belotti, Manuel Locatelli, Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Pessina, Salvatore Sirigu
Italy also have a host of talented players at their disposal but are unlikely to veer away from their tried-and-tested combination. Ciro Immobile has not been at his best in the knock-outs but his stature and experience works in his favour this weekend.
We're about an hour away from an official line-ups so in the meantime, here are a few statistics to keep you company:
Italy vs England Head-to-Head stats and numbers you need to know before the UEFA Euro 2020 Final
Italy vs England prediction, preview, team news and more | UEFA Euro 2020 Final
That brings us to the question on everyone's minds: is it really coming home? Wembley certainly seems to think so. Mancini's charges - the big-game monsters that they are - will likely thrive on a hostile crowd and a buzzing atmosphere.
The UEFA Euro 2020 has arguably been one of the most engaging competitive tournaments in recent history. England and Italy are the only two nations left, and Wembley Stadium is set to bear witness to a contest that will go down in history.
I'm Aditya Hosangadi, your host for the evening, and we're hours away from the culmination of what has been an exceptional competition.