Latella is the current prefect of the province of Catanzaro but will leave this role to head preparations for the student event.

The move was proposed by Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

An agreement was signed by Naples 2019 President Vincenzo De Luca, who claims Latella has the experience required to deliver the Universiade next year.

"Full collaboration with the Government and with the Prefect Dr. Luisa Latella, whose experience, competence and full responsibility will accelerate the interventions that will allow the realisation of an extraordinary international event like the Universiade in Naples and in Campania," said De Luca.

Francesca Ferrandino has been appointed as Latella's replacement as the prefect of Catanzaro.

Latella will face a challenge in leading preparations for next year's event, given the short time-frame to the Universiade.

Naples was officially confirmed as the host in May 2016, following a reopened bidding process after Brasilia withdrew in January 2015.

The Brazilian capital was unable to meet financial commitments.

Given the short two-year timeframe to prepare for the Universiade, completion of competition venues is expected to be tight.

International University Sport Federation (FISU) President Oleg Matytsin and secretary general Eric Saintrond vowed to help Naples 2019 invest in "efficient and creative" solutions to meet the challenge of hosting.

FISU also signed a contract with EPIC, a US-based strategic event planning company, to help the local organisers meet the tight schedule for the preparations.

Archery, athletics, basketball, fencing, football, judo, swimming and diving are among the compulsory sports, along with artistic and rhythmic gymnastics.

Table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball and water polo are also included.

Sailing, shooting and rugby sevens competitions will also take place after Naples 2019 selected them as optional sports.

The Universiade will take place in Naples from July 3 to 14 in 2019.