The Italian foreign minister has been named as the country's new prime minister, following Matteo Renzi's resignation.

Paolo Gentiloni, a close ally of the outgoing prime minister, has been asked to form a government by President Sergio Mattarella.

Mr Renzi announced his resignation last week after losing a key referendum on constitutional reform.

He had staked his future on a "yes" vote, vowing to quit if voters rejected his plans.

Opponents denounced them as dangerous for democracy - to reduce the role of the country's Senate and take back powers from regional authorities.

"The experience of my government ends here," Mr Renzi said in a televised address last week.

Mr Renzi, who came to power in 2014, said he took full responsibility for the "extraordinarily clear" defeat.

Projections suggested the "No" camp would win by a margin of 60% to 40%.