The Italians won their place by thrashing Russia 76-0 in a play-off at the Leigh Sports Village in England.

It means they take their place in next year's showpiece competition, due to be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

They have been entered into Group D which features Fiji and the United States.

Collier congratulated the Italian Rugby League Federation (FIRL) and the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF), with Wales and Ireland previously earning their places through the latter's qualifying competitions.

Fellow European nations England, Scotland and France qualified automatically after reaching at least the quarter-finals of the 2013 tournament.

"RLIF congratulates the European Federation on a compelling series of matches resulting in Wales, Ireland and Italy winning the final three qualification places for Rugby League World Cup 2017 and particularly FIRL on their qualification for the World Cup," said Collier.

"The progress of FIRL is warmly welcomed being the only official body permitted to select national rugby league teams to play in RLIF sanctioned men’s or women’s international events or to publish or utilise the rules of rugby league in Italy."

Co-hosts Australia will meet England in the opening match of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup following the draw for the group stage in July.

The Kangaroos, the defending champions, will begin their account on home soil against their big rivals at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, on October 27.

Both sides have been placed in Group A - one of two pools which feature four teams - and will also meet France and Lebanon.

In Group B, New Zealand, another host nation, will meet Scotland, Samoa and Tonga.

The third host, Papua New Guinea, will entertain Wales and Ireland in Group C.

Three sides from Groups A and B will reach the quarter-finals, with the pools containing the heavyweights of the sport in order to ensure some top-level matches in the opening stages.

Only the winners of Group C and Group D will advance.