Match Preview:

And then there were two.

Three weeks ago to the day, Spain and Italy opened their Euro 2012 campaign by drawing 1-1 in their Group C encounter. Today, they meet to decide who will be crowned Champions of Europe.

The final in Kyiv is a clash of two very different footballing philosophies. On the one hand you have Spain, the defending European champions and current World champions, who pride themselves on intricate passing and maintaining possession, a brand dubbed ‘anti-attacking football’ by many purists. On the other, you have an Italian side who have adopted a more direct, attacking brand of football under coach Cesare Prandelli.

On a crash course with history, Spain’s destiny will be written at the end of today’s match. Whether they will go down in history as being the first side to win three international tournaments in succession remains to be seen. History is on Italy’s side, has they have never officially lost to Spain in a major final.

A date with destiny awaits in Kyiv this evening. Who will go on to be named Euro 2012 Champion - Italy or Spain?

What are your thoughts/predictions for today's final?

Spain to kick off wearing their red kits attacking from left to right. Italy in their blue kits, defending from right to left.

Game on!

4 mins: Cassano tries a long, high through ball over the top for Balotelli in the area, but he's bundled over by Ramos, no call from the referee. Spain have a throw in on the halfway line.

6 mins: Chiellini does well to clear away the Jordi Alba cross for a corner on the left for Spain - their first of the match. Xavi to deliver. Ramos gets his header on it but its well over the bar. No harm there for Italy.

10 mins: Xavi and Fabregas work a clever one-two on the edge of the Italian area. Xavi then has some space and unleashes a right footed effort that's just too high of the goal. Spain still with possession, before Pirlo clears it away.

14 mins: GOAL! Spain 1-0! Silva! Xavi sends a cutting through ball into the right flank for Fabregas, who crosses into the middle of the area just before the ball reaches the touchline. The former Arsenal man then finds an onrushing Silva, who heads it into the goal past Buffon.

Spain 1 Italy 0.

18 mins: Casillas clears the ball away, after punching it clear. Spain have a throw in now just inside their own half.

19 mins: Italy give the ball away in their own half, as the Spain continue to pile on the pressure. Pirlo then finally clears the danger away for a Spanish throw on the left. Chiellini looks to have picked up an injury.

24 mins: Italy mounts an attack down the right flank. The ball is then crossed in but cleared away by Spain. Xavi and Fabregas then try to work a one-two but the ball hits the heels of Fabregas. Play stifled.

26 mins: Italians on the counter. The cross comes in from Balzaretti on the left. He tries to find Balotelli at the back post, but Casillas is there to clear away.

28 mins: Cassano works his way into the Spanish area on the left. Good buildup play from the Italians, but Cassano's shot is low to the ground and easily collected by Casillas.