Rugby-Italy attempt to make headlines at home during World Cup

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool A - Italy v Namibia - Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, France - September 9, 2023 Italy's Manuel Zuliani scores their sixth try REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

(Reuters) - The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off in France on Friday, and while the competition is already a roaring success, it's not always front page news even within countries involved.

Italy is a nation with a rich sporting heritage. While soccer remains the main attraction, participation and success in a wide range of sports, finds rugby playing catch-up.