Mussolini's fall would not quickly peel away Hitler's eastern partners

Would Mussolini's fall make Romania or other Axis partners change sides earlier?

Probably not, because fear of Soviet expansion made Hitler appear the lesser immediate threat to several eastern states.

Romania, Finland, and other eastern states made their choices under direct pressure from the Soviet Union. Germany demanded alignment, while Stalin appeared to threaten territory, occupation, or political destruction. That security dilemma mattered more than loyalty to Mussolini or confidence in Italy. Italy's departure would change the coalition balance without removing the threat that drove those governments toward Berlin.