The Giussano class had a belt only 24 mm thick, enough to trigger incoming shells without providing meaningful resistance. British 4-inch secondary guns could penetrate the hull, while Dido-class and Atlanta-class anti-aircraft cruisers would be dangerous opponents. That vulnerability undercut a design intended to fight large French destroyers. High speed offered little protection once the range closed and the opposing guns began to hit.
Notable Point · 1:20:09-1:22:27
Giussano's thin armour offered little safety from destroyer fire
Giussano's 24 mm belt could arm an incoming shell without stopping it, leaving the cruiser exposed even to destroyer and secondary-gun fire.