Why did Italy's destroyers limit fleet operations?

Why was Italy's navy so limited in what it did despite having capable capital ships and heavy cruisers?

Its destroyers limited the fleet. Many were optimized for offensive torpedo attacks and lacked the gunpower and versatility needed to screen and defend a force.

Italy had a substantial capital-ship force and capable heavy cruisers, yet the design of its destroyers restricted what the fleet could do. The smaller torpedo-focused ships were offensive units built to dash in, launch, and withdraw. Their guns mainly helped them reach a firing position. Escorting and defending a force required greater versatility and the ability to fight enemy destroyers. A ship could therefore fulfil its torpedo-attack mission while leaving a gap in the fleet's defensive screen.