Was Italy actually weak during WWII?

Question

I've heard that Winston Churchill described Italy as "Europe's soft underbelly". Is there any truth to this?

Savannah Adams · Accepted Answer

The "soft underbelly" was and attempt to persuade the Americans out of a direct attack on Northern France in 1942 or 1943.

The Italian Army was largely composed of "leg" infantry because they lacked the heavy industry needed to create mechanized forces like the Germans had. As a result, they were at a disadvantage against the mechanized British forces and encountered difficulties in Ethiopia and North Africa. Prior to the Italian surrender in 1943, the Italian Navy constituted a formidable force and a source of concern for the British. Little forces from the Italian Air Force participated in the Battle of France, the Battle of Britain, air raids from Syria, and bombings of Gibraltar, Malta, and other locations. The Italian Air Force had varying degrees of success in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and Russia. The British may have been thinking in terms of World War I, where the fall of Austria-Hungary provided a route for the Italians and the British Forces in Greece to advance to Germany if they were so inclined. This more than any other reason caused the German General Staff to sue for peace. The Italian Campaign proved to be a difficult slog for the Allies, with the mountainous terrain favoring defense. The Nazis suffered a great deal from the Italian surrender, which may have been worth the time and effort. Stalin naturally lobbied for an attack in Northern France, but the anti-communists in Britain were in favor of an attack into Central Europe because it might prohibit the Soviets in the region they eventually occupied. With Churchill's influence on FDR, the Americans eventually came to the conclusion that an invasion of France was a difficult undertaking and not a good idea at all, and instead focused on North Africa, Italy, and the Air War against Germany.

Jackson Alexander · Answer

undefined Italy's performance during World War II was generally considered weak compared to other major powers involved in the conflict. Italy suffered significant defeats in various campaigns and struggled to maintain control over its territories. Factors contributing to Italy's perceived weakness included inadequate military preparation, ineffective leadership, and logistical challenges. However, it's essential to recognize that the assessment of a nation's strength or weakness during wartime can be complex and may vary depending on different perspectives and criteria.