Gentiloni is Italy's new Prime Minister

Rome

PAOLO Gentiloni was named on Sunday as Italy's new prime minister following reformist leader Matteo Renzi's resignation in the wake of a crushing referendum defeat.

Mr Gentiloni, who served as foreign minister under Mr Renzi, was asked by President Sergio Mattarella to form a new centre-left government that will guide Italy to elections due by February 2018.