The Italian Army in the Balkans 1940-41

In October 1940, Benito Mussolini’s Italy launched an audacious invasion of Greece, seeking to cement its dominance in the Balkans. What followed was a gruelling and ultimately disastrous campaign that exposed the limits of Italian military power and set the stage for German intervention. In The Italian Army in the Balkans 1940–41, Massimiliano Afiero delivers a meticulously researched and visually rich account of one of the most intriguing yet often overlooked theaters of the Second World War.

This book provides a detailed examination of the Italian campaigns in Greece and Jugoslavia, drawing on extensive archival sources, firsthand accounts, and striking visual materials, including rare photographs and artwork. Afiero explores the strategic and logistical challenges faced by Italian forces, the resilience of Greek and Jugoslav defenders, and the impact of Germany’s decisive intervention in the region.

With a keen eye for both grand strategy and the experiences of individual soldiers, Afiero sheds light on the realities of mountain warfare, the desperate conditions of the front lines, and the internal conflicts within the Italian military command. The book also highlights the role of the Regia Aeronautica and Italy’s armoured divisions in an attempt to gain the upper hand in rugged Balkan terrain.

Lavishly illustrated with maps, photographs, and stunning artwork by Renato Dalmaso and David Bocquelet, The Italian Army in the Balkans 1940–41 is an essential addition to the library of military historians, and readers interested in the complexities of Italian military history, providing fresh insights into a campaign that reshaped the balance of power in the Mediterranean and ultimately forced Mussolini to rely ever more on Hitler’s Germany.

".....There are not many books, either in English or published recently, that covers this theatre of the second world war....This should definitely prove to be an important book, especially as it concentrates on the Italian perspective.....I have certainly learnt a great deal." History Book Chat Blog

“It reads well. You gain a real sense of the effort exerted by Italian and Greek troops in mostly mountain warfare.” Historical Miniatures Gaming Society