The early Italian cruisers were intended to outrange French large destroyers with 152 mm guns while retaining high speed. Machinery occupied nearly half the ship and left cramped accommodation. Mine carriage further complicated the arrangement by obstructing some after weapons. Turret protection of 23 mm shows how little weight had been allotted to armour. Closing the range, especially in a night action, removed the intended advantage over the opponent. The design depended on fighting under conditions that preserved its range and speed advantages.
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Condottieri cruisers depended on keeping their distance
High speed and longer-range guns came with thin protection, cramped spaces and a vulnerability when combat closed the range.