While the original idea is partially historically aligned, It could use improvement.
The Italians were not bad soldiers. BEING an Italian, I would be able to relate to some of the issues.
The Italians were scared of Mussolini. We didn't have a choice, as Mussolini conspired with Hitler.
The Italians attempted to kill Mussolini 4 times. Hitler aided Mussolini 3 of the 4 by sending in troops to control and support.
But the fourth time, Mussolini was captured and taken to the village of Giulino di Mezzegra, where he was shot twice in the chest.
Not soon after, his and his mistress's body, along with close followers, were dragged to Milan, and hung by hooks. The people of Italy shot, spat, kicked, punched, slit and split his body, already deformed.
What Versedhorison says is also true, and it solely because the Americans had invaded from the south AND in 1943, the Italians were getting angry with Mussolini, practically GIVING UP, resulting in his death.
BATTERIES makes the point. The Italians were VERY scared of Mussolini, and therefore, were not the most obedient. But they weren't bad soldiers. They fought for their life and country, not necessarily for the Fascist.
Their production and weaponry suffered because of their poor care within the country. Industrial factories were a literal joke. Before, during, and after the war, the country suffered major poverty. Infact, some of the heavier tanks were comparable to German tanks, and could compete with a M10 if required.
To get back to the addition of Italians, this is what I suggest for an Italian Unit for the Ostheer:
Suggestion 1:Contadini Italiano (Which translates to Italian Countrymen)
5 Men, Armed with Hunting Rifles
220 Manpower
Good Accuracy, mediocre power in the rifles, slow reload
Weary from exaggerated marching, Contadini walk slower than most other infantry.
Contandini do NOT have a large health.
Can be upgraded with Carcano Rifles, for 50 Munitions
*All troops receive Carcanos
*Improved Power
*Improved Reload Speed
*Boosting Morale, Contadini walk like normal troops.
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Suggestion 2
Italiano Fucilieri (Italian Riflemen)
5 men, Armed with Carcano Rifles
275 Man Power
Mediocre Accuracy, High Power, Mediocre Reload Speed
Moral is weakened, but not enough to slow the troops down.
Have Normal health, Italians can take 2 or 3 shots, but more than that and they'll fall to the ground.
The more they see their partners fall, the worse the Fucilieri fight.
Can be upgraded with 1 Beretta Modello 38 Sub Machine Gun:
*45 Munitions
*Adds one Beretta Modello 38 to the arsenal of the Fucilieri
-Gun Improvements
-*High Fire rate from the holder
-*Gun is very powerful
-*Boosting Morale, the squad reloads faster, but not the SMG holder
-*Adds Suppression fire to the ability to the squad. It IS active, you must decide when to use it.
-*This gun is quite loud compared to most WWII guns, so if considered, add high sound pitch.
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To take into consideration of BATTERIES idea, I suggest the following implement:
***With very weak morale within the Italian ranks, squads have a 15% chance of disobeying a given order to move, attack, or capture. They will, instead, retreat.
***Italians CANNOT crew enemy weapons. They are trained to use normal hunting rifles and carcanos, not Mortars.
(However, this doesn't mean that if the Modello 38 is dropped, it can not be re-crewed by the Italians
)
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(On a side note, this unit would be produced at a very basic level, either at a low level barracks or, on a doctrine layout, a starting call in for 1 CP)
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(Fun fact: The Italian Mortars were only 4.5 CM
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