The Capitani Romani were extremely fast, virtually unarmored super-destroyers whose expendability suited the raiding role. They offered a more honest match between protection, value, and the risks of leading a torpedo attack. A force combining ships of that kind with protected heavy units for convoy escort and battle-line support would have divided missions coherently. Many intermediate designs instead tried to imitate oceanic commerce raiders without the geography or targets that made such ships useful.
Chapter · 53:59-56:02
Capitani Romani and a more coherent two-tier cruiser force
Expendable Capitani Romani flotilla leaders paired with armored Zara- or Abruzzi-style cruisers would have matched Italy's offensive and escort needs more clearly.