Italy have appointed Alessandro Ramagli as coach of Under-18 men's team.

Ramagli, 44,will guide the youngsters at the U18 European Championship in Greece from July 25 to August 3. The Azzurri will take on Lithuania, Estonia and Serbia.

"I couldn't say no," said Ramagli.

"It's an honour and it gives me great pride. I was missing an experience with the youth national teams and now I am enjoying it."

Ramagli has spent several years as a coach in Italy's Lega A, starting with Livorno and then leading Biella for five seasons.

Before the current campaign, he replaced David Blatt at Benetton Treviso but endured a nightmare spell with the team.

Ramagli parted ways with the club 10 games into the Lega A season with the Palaverde club having won just twice.