After Renzi resigns, Paolo Gentiloni named as Italy's new PM

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

Gentiloni, who had been Renzi's foreign minister, was asked by President Sergio Mattarella to form a new government that will guide Italy to elections due by February 2018, a presidency spokesman announced. 

Gentiloni, 62, is seen as a close ally of the outgoing premier. 

Also read: Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announces resignation after losing a referendum on constitutional reform