The 54-year-old Canadian comes in to replace Clayton Beddoes who resigned from the position.

Ireland moved to Italy in January to become head coach of HC Bolzano, a role which also saw him succeed Beddoes.

He will continue to lead his club side who are considered to be the strongest team in Italian ice hockey.

A long-term target with Italy is the country's home Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina D'Ampezzo in 2026.

"I'm honoured and proud to be the new head coach of the Italian national team," Ireland said. 

"I can't wait to work with this group of players to build a team with a strong work ethic, with a solid mentality and capable of playing a style of hockey that all Italy can be proud of.

"This is a programme in growth and I'm ready to help the team take another step forward on the road to the qualification for the next Olympic Winter Games in Beijing and then give the best in view of Milano-Cortina 2026."

Ireland's job can only begin when the coronavirus crisis in Italy has ended.

The country has been severely hit by COVID-19 and has recorded more deaths than any other nation in the world.

"Although we are facing difficult times, as we move forward, we hope that sport can once again unite people and make emerge their great passion," Ireland said.

Italy were promoted to the top-tier of the World Championship in 2018 and they stayed up in 2019.

However, this year's tournament in Switzerland has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Ireland's previous roles include a spell with Swiss side HC Lugano.

"Since the first meeting, we have shared a vision and philosophy on the same wavelength," said Stefan Zisser, the sport director of the Italian national team programme.

"Greg is enthusiastic about this new assignment, he has long dreamed of coaching a national team and is delighted to do so with us."