An internal combustion engine piston includes a crown including a ring belt portion including an outer wall and ring grooves, wherein the outer wall has a first end, a combustion bowl including an inner wall having a second end, a top wall extending between the inner and outer walls, and an annular cavity between the inner and outer walls, including an opening opposite the top wall, and at least partially defining a cooling gallery. At least one insert protrudes into the cooling gallery so as to axially overlap the ring grooves to direct coolant to desired portions of the crown.