59-year-old Gentiloni who served as communications minister in Romano Prodi’s government from 2006 to 2008 was chosen from the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi for the position of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
His nomination comes as a surprise because he had not been mentioned as a potential candidate in recent weeks.
He will take his oath later today.
According to reports originally Renzi had wanted to replace Mogherini with another woman and until late last night was no indication of his decision.