Ettore Messina has been named as the Italian national side head coach replacing Simone Pianigiani, who is likely to remain with the Federation in an office role.
Messina will roam the sidelines during Italy’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament and if they also for Rio 2016, should they qualify.
This is Messina’s second spell as head coach of Italy, as the San Antonio Spurs assistant led the national side from 1992 to 1997.
Since then, Messina has won Italian, Russian and VTB League titles as well as three Euroleague crowns in 2001, 2006 and 2008.
The Catania native has also claimed two Euroleague Coach of the Year awards in 2006 and 2008.
