I'm studying for a history course in university and I was wondering what were the reasons for the many failures the Italian army faced during WWII. One of the reasons I think was the poor gear given to soldiers, another should be the fact that Italy's tanks were basically made of butter, but what happened exactly? Italians did't fare bad in the first WW, what were the differences?
This is a pretty common question.
I think this thread covers it quite well.
One should also consider that Patton and Montgomery were two great Generals, couple that leadership with superior training and equipment, and you have a recipe for one sided battles.
Rommel had been quoted saying the following regarding the Italian infantry in Africa
The Italian command was, for the most part, not equal to the task of carrying on war in the desert, where the requirement was lightning decision followed by immediate action. The training of the Italian infantryman fell far short of the standard required by modern warfare. … Particularly harmful was the all pervading differentiation between officer and man
Source: The Rommel Papers, Ch. 11: The Initiative Passes http://www.amazon.ca/Rommel-Papers-B-h-Liddell-Hart/dp/0306801574
While I'm at it, great book. Truly offers insight into the brilliance of Erwin, worth the read for anyone interested.