Why an Axis assault on Malta was unlikely to succeed

Could Germany and Italy take Malta with a combined airborne, naval, and ground assault when Italy entered the war?

No; Malta's terrain, layered fortifications, mines, submarines, artillery, and prepared command structure make siege and starvation more plausible than assault.

Fields were obstructed against gliders and parachutists, likely landing areas were covered by pillboxes and artillery, and the coastline offered few forgiving beaches. Nineteenth-century works such as the Victoria Lines reinforced newer defenses, while submarines and minefields threatened the seaborne force. The Axis would need a prolonged blockade, during which Britain would continue fighting convoys through.