Persano transferred from Re d'Italia to the new ram Affondatore just as the attack began. Affondatore lacked the established signalling arrangements, mast height, and command positions of the former flagship. Some Italian divisions consequently waited for firing orders that never reached them clearly while Tegetthoff continued to target Re d'Italia as the apparent command centre. Choosing the newest ship therefore weakened the admiral's ability to control the fleet at the moment cohesion mattered most.
Notable Point · 27:26-31:15
A flagship transfer worsens command and control
Persano's move from Re d'Italia to the ram Affondatore deprived the Italian force of a clear command centre during the action.