Italians like to read newspapers and they would not trade a print copy for an electronic version even if it was cheaper, a recent survey conducted by IPR Marketing for Il Sole 24 Ore revealed.

In fact, 62 percent said they would not be interested in reading a newspaper online because the paper version is more practical to read and it is less tiring for the eyes. "Only 32 percent of those interviewed said that, with the existence of new technologies, papers would be substituted by digital versions," Il Sole 24 Ore reported.

Although 25 percent of those who are willing to pay for content would subscribe for a monthly fee, 26 percent would prefer to pay for article. Currently, most national dailies, like La Repubblica and Il Corriere della Sera, offer the content for free.

However, Italian opposition to online newspapers has nothing to do with low Internet usage or lack of interest. According to data provided by Audiweb, 43.4 percent of the population surfed the web in May - a 14 percent increment when compared to May 2009.

Il Sole 24 Ore's study revealed that 82 percent of Italians go online to read stories provided by newspapers and news agencies. Furthermore, one third of users are eager to read a daily online edition.

Nonetheless, Italians' main source of information continues to be the television, as only 39 percent read the newspaper every day.