The French had developed a succession of large, fast contre-torpilleurs approaching cruiser territory, culminating in Le Fantasque and then Mogador. Le Fantasque combined five 5.5-inch guns, nine 550 mm torpedo tubes, mines, depth charges, and 37-knot speed. That combination explains why Italy wanted a faster six-inch-gunned counter. It also shows that the intended opponent could return dangerous gunfire and torpedoes, making the Giussanos' minimal protection a risk even in their planned role.
Chapter · 6:44-9:45
French large destroyers set the threat
French contre-torpilleurs culminating in Le Fantasque supplied the target the Giussanos were meant to catch and outgun.