Thousands of people took to the streets to celebrate their semi-final success over hot favorites Germany on Thursday and the Juventus star is praying that Italy can beat world and European champions Spain in the final in Kiev on Monday (2.45am).

"We are so close to the cup," Chiellini told Rai Sport. "We want to win to keep this dream going for our fans. We want to give them something big."

The Italians were written off by many pundits before the toiurnament began because of the disruption caused by the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal, as well as the 3-0 shocking defeat by Russia in their first warm-up match.

Even Chiellini admitted the players have been taken aback by how far they have come in such a short space of time, pointing out Italy could easily have routed the Germans.

"Who would have believed such an incredible ride 10 days ago?" said the versatile defender.

"We could have won 3-0 and nobody would have been able to say anything."

While Italy were beaten by Spain on penalties in the quarter-final of Euro 2008, the Azzurri have a good record against 'La Roja' in international competitions.

However, history will have no bearing in Monday's final, as far as Chiellini is concerned.

"Tradition and statistics count for little now," he said.  "But we believe we can win Euro 2012 and we want it, while appreciating that Spain are a great side."