I recently travelled 2nd class return on the Italian Eurostar from Rome to Naples. I bought the ticket at the ticket desk in the Termini just before departure.
I didn't realise that we had been allocated a particular seat on the train. The ticket was naturally enough in Italian, which I don't speak, so I didn't study it except to see what time the train was leaving at. Nobody said anything on the outward leg of the trip, but I thought it a bit strange at the time, that people would sit opposite us, and put their baggage over our heads, when there were other places in the carriage that seemed much less crowded. On the way back the same thing happened again and it wasn't until a bloke said to me that we were in his seat, and to stay where we were that I studied the ticket more carefully and realised our mistake.
The train left Rome at 10.45 as per the ticket. It was due to arrive in Naples at 12.30, a 1 hr and 45 minute trip, but the driver opened the train up a bit and we arrived in Naples station 23 minutes early. 1 Hr and 22 mins, not bad going considering the distance travelled (300 Kms).
On the return trip, the train was going to Milan via Rome and departed Naples at 15.30 and arrived in Rome at 17.05. He was due to arrive at 17.16 so he was only 9 minutes early. I presume he left Rome for the next leg of the trip on time.
The other thing I noticed about travel on the buses and trams in Rome (and I presume that it's the same elsewhere in Italy) was that not just children, but even youths and older people, without hesitation jumped up out of their seats to give them up for a more elderly person. (I was embarrassed once or twice until I caught on).
One final word of warning, the pickpockets operate in gangs on the underground in Rome especially when the train is crowded at rush hour. At that time the carriage especially around the door actualy makes a sardine tin look spacious. Make sure you keep your wallet and important items buttoned or zipped in your breast pocket or you will regret it. Do not leave them in your trousers or jeans whatever you do.
Murt