In this counterfactual, Italy might seek peace while Germany continues its invasion of the Soviet Union. The result would depend heavily on whether German troops were already in Italy. If Italian forces secured the Alpine passes first, Germany would struggle to force its way across the mountains. Fighting Italy could create another front while Italian formations still held sections of the Axis line in the Soviet Union. Some of those formations might change sides, although that is a further speculative branch.
Notable Point · 1:53:19-1:56:50
Italian withdrawal could leave Germany fighting across the Alpine passes
An early Italian withdrawal could open another front before Germany has secured the routes into Italy.