Italy have appointed former Kangaroos five-eighth Trent Barrett as their new head coach.
The 36-year-old, who is an assistant coach with the Penrith Panthers in the NRL, succeeds Salford-born Carlo Napolitano, who stepped down from the role after guiding the Azzurri to the 2013 World Cup and shock wins over England and Wales.
"We are proud of this opportunity to work with one of the most important exponents of the rugby league world," said Italy president Orazio D'Arro. "This job opportunity must stimulate us to do more.
"Convincing him to work with us has been challenging but we start with new partnership with great enthusiasm."
Barrett, who played for the Illawarra Steelers, St George Illawarra, Wigan and Cronulla over 15 seasons from 1996, won 15 caps for the Kangaroos and made 11 State of Origin appearances for NSW.
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Barrett's assistant will be former Panthers back-rower Cameron Ciraldo, who hung up his boots after Italy's World Cup defeat by Tonga at Halifax in November.
Barrett's primary task will be preparing the nation for the next World Cup that will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2017.
