Italian destroyers were dangerous torpedo attack ships

The Sauro- and Leone-class ships were designed to reach favorable firing positions and deliver concentrated torpedo attacks against convoys. Their speed and maneuverability made them dangerous, though they were judged overmatched by a Tribal-class destroyer or a strong cruiser escort. Older vessels such as Giovanni Acerbi and Vincenzo Orsini had been redesignated as torpedo boats, while Italy's newest destroyers remained needed with the Mediterranean battle fleet. Their former fleet-scout role gave them useful range, and Red Sea conditions suited these relatively small ships better than Atlantic operations would have.