Yes, it was shite a decade ago. But all my journeys by train in Italy have been great in the last five years.

My sample size is certainly limited though. About two to three long distance journeys by train/year in that country. But still. A decade ago there were always delays and serious hiccups. No more.

Trains were clean and on time. Mind you, this is long distance. I.e. Milano–Firenze.

I guess the private company, Italo, may be responsible indirectly for this as they generated pressure to up their ante on Trenitalia?

Your mileage with short distance train travel in Italy may differ. I do not have enough experience to hold an opinion there.

In any case, it's much better than in my home country, Germany. Everything is a joke here when it comes to long distance rail travel. Punctuality, service, offering, price, ergonomics (planning, ticket purchase, app).

I travel long distance every two weeks, I feel the pain every time. Literally every 2nd time the train is late by at least 20mins.

Best experience in Europe for train travel to me seems to be France btw.