Gonzalo Quesada will become the first Argentinian to coach Italy after he was named to replace Kieran Crowley after the Rugby World Cup, the Italian federation announced Friday.

The 49-year-old former Test fly-half and full-back has been in charge of Top 14 side Stade Francais since 2020 but it was announced last October he would not see out his contract which ran till 2024.

Quesada -- whose second spell in charge of Stade has been disappointing compared to his first term when they won the Top 14 title in 2015 and the Challenge Cup in 2017 -- will assume his new role in January 2024 and prepare the side for the Six Nations championship.

Crowley has been credited with improving Italy's performances and results but the federation said Thursday it would not be renewing his contract.

The 61-year-old New Zealander -- who has an overall record of six victories and 13 defeats including an historic win over Australia in Florence last year -- termed their decision "unfortunate".

The 38-times capped Quesada -- top points scorer in the 1999 World Cup -- is known to favour an offensive style game.

He has previous international coaching experience as France assistant coach from 2008 to 2011 and filled a similar position with Argentina in 2018.   

Crowley will want to show the federation the error of their ways when Italy contest the World Cup -- which runs from September 8 to October 28 -- though they face a stiff task in reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

They have been drawn in the same pool as hosts France, three-time winners New Zealand as well as minnows Namibia and Uruguay.

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