Kruczek, the most successful ski jump coach in Polish history, announced his resignation at the end of the 2015-16 season.

He had spent eight years in the job but jumpers from the country failed to win an International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup event during the last campaign.

He was also voted as "Coach of the Year" in Poland in 2013 and 2014 and the 40-year-old will now turn his attention to another European nation.

Italy haven't managed a podium in either the men's or women's World Cups for the past two years and the country is looking for improvement.

Sebastian Colloredo was the only Italian jumper who could score World Cup points in 2015-16, with his best result a lowly 24th at Russia's hill in Nizhny Tagil in December.

"With his professionalism and know-how we want to restructure the men's team after a difficult season," said an Italian Ski Association statement.

"The goal now is to have a competitive team again as soon as possible."

Poland's Kamil Stoch was a double Olympic gold medalist at Sochi 2014 under Kruczek as the team finished fourth.

Stoch was also one of five Polish jumpers to win a World Cup during Kruczek's reign, along with Adam Małysz, Jan Ziobro, Krzysztof Biegun and Piotr Żyła.

Austrian Stefan Horngacher, an Olympic bronze medallist in the team large hill at both Lillehammer 1994 and Nagano 1998, has been appointed by Poland to replace Kruczek.