The Italian morale is just low enought to preclude an easy win in the town on the near shore and the ability to quickly recover their equilibrium even if they can take the town quickly. Again the mix of troops is perfect for the scenario and the frustration of the Italian commander with the slow reduction of the town on the near bank, the need to cross a killing field to get to the real objective and the immense frustration of trying to get their troops to recover from demoralization is intense.