The ships were designed to outrun and fight large French destroyers, but their light construction created stability and protection problems. At opposing speeds the range could close at roughly 74 to 76 knots, leaving only a short firing interval before the lightly protected cruiser entered the destroyer's effective range. The forward aircraft arrangements placed aviation fuel and seaplanes near guns and magazines. Requiring a reconnaissance aircraft to recover ashore also shortened the time it could support the fleet that launched it.
Notable Point · 1:12:29-1:20:02
Giussano's speed and exposed aviation facilities
The Giussano class sacrificed protection and workable aircraft recovery for speed in its counter-destroyer role.