Italy fans defy Rome heat to secure spot for final

ROME (AP) -- Italy fans have defied 100 F (38 C) heat to secure a good spot to watch the European Championship final against Spain on large TV screens set up in Rome's Circus Maximus.

The scorching temperatures kept most fans away from the landmark until Sunday evening, when thousands started trickling into the landmark.

Four giant TV screens were put up in Circus Maximus, and 300,000 bottles of water brought in to keep spectators hydrated. Big crowds were also expected in Milan's Piazza del Duomo.

Civil protection crews in Rome were out in force hosing down Circus Maximus' dusty field to try to cool it off before fans arrived en mass for the evening game.

Those who did stake out a spot while the sun was high wore Italian flags like capes - and not much else.