The first polls begin to close at 6pm in the US (midnight in Italy) and we should have an idea of how things are going by 8 and 10pm local time (2 and 4am in Italy), but the final result won't be clear until between 5am and 6am here.
But - whoever you're rooting for - there's no need for a restless night waiting for the result to be called. Here's The Local's guide to following election night, wherever you are in Italy. We've also included a few tips for those of you who'd rather avoid the non-stop coverage and just enjoy the evening...
1. At a special event
Democrats Abroad is hosting election night events in Bologna, Florence, Naples and Rome - as well as Milan, where tickets have already sold out. All of the events offer food and drinks, with a raffle in Florence, talks from a variety of speakers in Bologna, and free coffee to keep you going throughout the night in Rome.
We are not aware of any events organized by or for Republicans in Italy. If you know of one, get in touch.
2. At the pub
It's fair to say emotions are running extremely high on both sides, so the best way to await the results may well be with a drink in hand.
If you're based in Rome, the Highlander Pub's Election Night Bash is an American-themed party, with music, beer pong, drinks offers, a buffet offering specialities from both cultures (think pizza, pasta, hot dogs and brownies...) and a promise of much-needed "positive vibes". There will even be an American history-themed pub quiz if you'd prefer to keep your mind off the here and now.
Meanwhile, the Fosso Bandito pizzeria in Florence is hosting a party with food, live music and election coverage. Find out more here.
Neither of these events are aligned to a particular party, so they are perfect if you're hoping to spend the night having fun and celebrating democracy rather than keeping your fingers crossed for your preferred candidate. Of course, another option is to head to any other bar - ideally one without Wi-Fi - and enjoy a few refreshments away from the rolling coverage.
3. On TV
Numerous Italian TV channels will have election night coverage, with the most comprehensive offerings provided by broadcasters Rai and Mediaset.
TgCom24 will be covering the election from 9:30pm until tomorrow morning, with reporters stationed at the White House and both candidates' campaign headquarters.
Rai's live coverage begins at 11:35pm until 6am on Wednesday, with live links to Washington and New York as well as interviews with guests in the Rome studio. Meanwhile, RaiNews will feature comprehensive coverage of the election including some live reports, as well as a look back over both campaigns and a look ahead at the possible results and consequences.
On Sky, SkyTG24 will have an 'election marathon' with updates, Idea and analysis on the election.
If you're looking for a lighter take on things, Italia 1 will show a Simpsons marathon starting at 2:30pm on Tuesday, with all the episodes covering the American elections.
4. Online
You'll be able to watch a livestream of the election throughout the night on both YouTube or Twitter. Click here to see the YouTube channels providing live coverage (some have already started), which include CNN and Fox News.
To see the Twitter live stream, which is presented by BuzzFeed News and will start at midnight in Italy, click here or go to Twitter's Moments page.
And on Wednesday morning, we'll be covering the Italian reaction to the election, so if you're based in Italy and want to have your say, get in touch via Facebook, Twitter or at [email protected].