Italy referendum projection based on vote count signals big Renzi defeat

ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has suffered a heavy defeat on Sunday in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution, according to the first projection based on the actual vote count. The projection by the Piepoli Institute/IPR for state broadcaster RAI, estimated those voting 'Yes' to back the reform at 39-43 percent, compared with 57-61 percent for 'No'. The projection pointed to an even wider defeat for Renzi than was suggested by three exit polls published immediately after polls closed. (Reporting by Gavin Jones; Editing by Crispian Balmer)