The Italian Football Federation has announced the appointment of Luigi di Biagio as the new interim coach of the national team.

After Italy failed to qualify for this summer's World Cup, Giam Piero Ventura was removed from his position in the Azzurri dugout.

A number of names have been linked with the position, including Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte, but Di Biagio has been promoted to the role on a temporary basis.

The 46-year-old is currently in charge of the Under-21 side, which reached the semi-finals of the European Championship last summer, while the former midfielder has previously held the same role with the Under-20s.

Di Biagio will initially be in charge for the friendlies with Argentina and England in March.