Italy look for soccer inspiration at 'pivotal moment'

Britain Rugby Union - RBS Six Nations Media Launch - The Hurlingham Club, Ranelagh Gardens, London - 25/1/17 Italy Head Coach Conor O'Shea and Captain Sergio Parisse pose with the RBS Six Nations Trophy during the RBS Six Nations Media Launch Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic

LONDON (Reuters) - Italian rugby is at a pivotal moment and can model its future success on the country's great soccer teams, coach Conor O'Shea said on Wednesday ahead of the Six Nations championship.

Italy go into the tournament on a rare high after booking their first-ever win over one of the southern hemisphere big three with a 20-18 defeat of South Africa in November.