Part 7/11:
Initial Italian advances were met with surprise and then fierce counterattacks from Greek troops. The battles turned into a disastrous rout for Italy, characterized by significant casualties and logistical failures. Mussolini's air force compounded the problems with ineffective bombing campaigns that failed to provide the necessary air support.
The failure in Greece accentuated the ineffectiveness of the Italian military. Instead of a swift victory that would bolster Italian morale, the campaign eroded confidence in Mussolini’s leadership and military competence. As the year progressed, the Italian army found itself retreating in multiple fronts, suffering defeats that would only escalate.