On 25 March 2016, after months of speculation, O'Shea was named the new head coach of the Italian national team, bringing with him Englishman Mike Catt. O'Shea's first match in charge was during the 2016 June internationals, where Italy toured the Americas. The tour began with a closely fought defeat to Argentina 30–24, before going onto beat the United States, 24–20, and Canada, 20–18. During the 2016 end of year tests, having heavily lost to New Zealand 68–10, O'Shea on 19 November, helped Italy to their first-ever victory against South Africa winning 20–18. However, the following week saw Italy lose to Tonga for the first time since 1999, 19–17.