Taking place across Calvisano, Verona, Viadana and Parma, the premier age-grade tournament runs from 28 June to 18 July.

World Rugby and the Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR) confirmed the three-pool set-up, with 12 teams competing across five match-days in northern Italy.

Defending champions and top seeds France are in Pool A with Argentina, Ireland and Japan.

The runners-up from the tournament last year in Argentina, Australia, are in Pool B, alongside arch-rivals New Zealand, Wales and Georgia.

Pool C will witness a rematch of last year's Rugby World Cup final, with three-time champions England desperate to avenge that chastening 32-12 defeat to South Africa, with Fiji and the hosts also in the mix.

Three pool winners and the best runner-up will progress to the semi-finals.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: "Every year the World Rugby U20 Championship showcases the most promising young rugby players and we see year after year graduates from the competition succeeding at the highest level.

"Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan featured 228 players who initially represented their country in this tournament and I invite all rugby fans to follow matches closely for the next rugby stars of tomorrow."

FIR President Alfredo Gavazzi said: "We are delighted to host the World Rugby U20 Championship and the very best players from all around the globe again.

"The 2011 and 2015 editions had a great impact on our rugby community, attracting fans and new participants to the game, and we look forward to delivering three exciting weeks of competition while bringing the Azzurrini to play in all four host cities."

A total of 690 players have graduated from the U20 Championship to the test arena since it began in 2008, including 16 members of South Africa's Rugby World Cup 2019 winning squad, among them captain Siya Kolisi, Handré Pollard and World Rugby Men's 15s Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit.

It will be the third time the U20 Championships has been hosted in Italy.