On 21 November 2019, Franco Smith was named as Italy's interim head coach following the resignation of Conor O'Shea. Smith coached the team during their 2020 Six Nations Championship campaign. He appointment was made permanent on 1 June 2020. On 19 May 2021, it was announced that Smith would step up to a new role as Head of High Performance focusing on all levels of domestic and international rugby for the Italian federation. He was replaced as head coach by Kieran Crowley.