Soccer mania will reach fever pitch in a few short hours when Australian fans begin assembling for the World Cup final showdown between Italy and France.
The game kicks off in Berlin at 4am (AEST) but the early start isn't expect to stop the thousands of people expected to cram live sites in Sydney and Melbourne.
Two giant screens will be set up in Lygon Street, in the heart of Melbourne's Italian district.
There will also be a large screen in Federation Square for the live telecast from Germany.
In Sydney's Italian district of inner western Leichhardt, Norton Street will be closed from 1am to accommodate crowds flocking to watch the game on a giant screen.
Huge crowds are also expected to gather at live sites at Customs House at Circular Quay and Belmore Park, near Central railway station.
Local bars and restaurants in Leichhardt say they are expecting their biggest night since the World Cup began.
The Leichhardt Hotel expects up to 700 fans to pack the venue, which has more than 15 screens showing the match.
"It's going to be huge," the hotel's manager Christian Pinto said.
Leichhardt Local Area Commander Superintendent Wayne Cox said police numbers had been increased and warned fans to show restraint.
"During the competition so far families have been able to enjoy the festive atmosphere in a safe environment and we want this to continue for the final match," Supt. Cox said in a statement.
"I will not tolerate supporters, or anyone else driving dangerously, endangering pedestrians or acting in a manner which threatens the safety of others."
Acting Victorian Premier John Thwaites said the live sites would ensure all Melburnians had a chance to join in the world cup action.
"Victoria's Italian community is known for its vocal and passionate support of the Italian team and there will be a real buzz in the air," Mr Thwaites said in a statement.
"We expect thousands of football fans to join the Italian community in Lygon Street in a real celebration of sport and the big screens will ensure no-one misses the action."
The game will finish after public transport services have started up for the day giving fans an easy ride home or to work from live sites.
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