Could the Italian Navy have served in the Pacific?

Could the Italian Navy have been sent to the Pacific for operations?

Some larger ships could have gone with replenishment support, probably as a small contingent attached to a British structure rather than an independent fleet.

Some larger Italian ships could have operated in the Pacific with replenishment support, despite the fleet's short-legged reputation. They would likely have been absorbed into a British task-force structure, which could more readily accommodate a small contingent than the much larger American organization. British experience with mixed coalition groupings would also make integration easier. Expected losses near Japan meant that available ships and trained personnel could not casually be left unused. Sending the contingent east would also remove any concern that the ships might create political trouble in the Atlantic.