Tommy Fleetwood secures Ryder Cup for Europe in raucous Rome
Europe needed four points from Sunday's 12 singles to continue their incredible 30-year unbeaten home and wins for Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and a half for Jon Rahm took them to 14 points.
Fleetwood hit a brilliant tee shot on the 16th and after sending his eagle putt close, Fowler conceded the remaining four-footer to leave the Englishman two up with two to play and guaranteed at least the half point Europe needed.
He then secured it on the 17th to win the full point for Europe with two games remaining.
Speaking after his win, which secured the win for Europe, Fleetwood told Sky Sports: "I didn't want it to come down to one of us at the back.
"I can't wait to see the rest of the guys, the captain, the vice-captains, our wives, our families and the staff. I'm so happy to play a part in it. It's been a bit bigger than I thought it would be when I saw the draw.
"I'm so proud, we have an amazing group of people. We always do. This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Europe, but I couldn't wish for a better bunch of people to do with this.
"We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime. This is just so cool."
Europe's big guns fire
Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green.
"We've had a couple of really good matches. He's a heck of a competitor," said Rahm. "You know, my hat's off to him and I'm glad I could get a half."
Viktor Hovland had already romped to a 4&3 victory over Collin Morikawa to take his personal tally for the event to 3.5 points - the same as Rahm.
Patrick Cantlay, the pantomime villain after reports he was refusing to wearing a hat over wanting to be paid at the event before his caddie Joe LaCava angered McIlroy on Saturday, edged out Justin Rose 2&1.
McIlroy, who ends the week with four points, closed out a 3&1 win over Sam Burns despite a late rally from the American.
Hatton overcame some nervy late moments to see off British Open champion Brian Harman on the 16th hole and put Europe on the cusp and 14-7 ahead.
Matthew Fitzpatrick missed a 19-foot birdie putt to win the Ryder Cup on the last hole as Max Homa kept the fate of the matchplay showdown just about in the balance.
Homa, who was the USA's best player at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club with 3.5 points, bravely opted to take a penalty drop from the rough for an unplayable lie, but made a clutch up and down for par.
Brooks Koepka saw off Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg 3&2 and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard by the same scoreline.
