Monday 5 February 2018 15:07, UK
Luigi Di Biagio has been named interim Italy coach for the friendlies against Argentina and England in March.
The Italian federation (FIGC) announced the country's U21 coach will take the senior side for the two matches on Monday.
Italy have been without a coach since Gian Piero Ventura resigned in November after they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Di Biagio made 31 appearances for Italy, representing his country at the World Cup in 1998 and 2002, as well as the European Championships in 2000 where Dino Zoff's side lost to France in the final by golden goal.
His club career included spells as a midfielder at Inter Milan and AS Roma. The 46-year-old was appointed Italy U21 coach in 2013.
Italy play Argentina in Manchester on March 23 and England at Wembley four days later.
Alessandro Costacurta, acting sub-commissioner of the Italian FA, said Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is out of the running to become Italy's next coach and hinted that Di Biagio could be handed the role on a permanent basis.
"A lot forget that there are some feasible managers that are under contracts. It's difficult to talk to them. You have to make choices. The availability on the market will be a fundamental aspect in the choice of the future manager," he said.
"Conte, for example, has eliminated himself from the national team, because he said that for 18 months he would like to be a club coach. He's also under contract, so it's not as easy as it seems to be able to get a name.
"When will we announce it? I think in June unless something resounding happens before. Now we have two friendlies to face and we will do it with Di Biagio, who we will meet tomorrow, and Gigi (Di Biagio) could also have a continuity after these two games.
"I've been following him for years and I've always liked him, and I think he did a great job at the U21 European Championship.
"You must also put him in the names for the future of the national team, also because as mentioned before, all those who are the feasible managers at the moment are under contract."
