If Mussolini fell in 1941, Italy might seek neutrality rather than change sides. Germany would have far fewer forces available to intervene than it had in Italy in 1943. An Italian withdrawal could save German supplies and release forces otherwise committed to North Africa, Greece and the Mediterranean air campaign. Those resources could support Barbarossa, potentially allowing an earlier attack and more use of the summer. Italian neutrality therefore has possible benefits for Germany as well as for the Allies.
Chapter · 1:15:44-1:17:27
Could Italy leave the war in 1941?
An Italian political crisis might lead to neutrality, which would also change German commitments around the Mediterranean.