Italy is proposed as a possible first additional participant, rather than simply a follower of a German decision. Its relationship with Britain is treated as a reason to support British naval operations. Competition with France adds an incentive to join an encounter in the Mediterranean and share in a victory. The imagined decision would expose France to further naval pressure while its fleet was already confronting Britain. Italian entry remains a possibility based on interests, without being made an automatic treaty obligation.
Notable Point · 1:13:53-1:14:33
Why Italy might join before Germany
Italian hostility towards France and a good relationship with Britain supply an alternative route to coalition expansion.