Better morale and lethal cavalry charges lead to heavy SOV losses and a major victory for IT.

Losses: IT 4 SCIA plts, 2 CAV plts, 3 CAV steps, 1 CAPT, 1 LT; SOV 8 INF plts, 3 SMG plts, 2 HMG plts, 1 ATR plt, 1 45 mm bat, 1 82 mm MRT, 5 INF steps, 1 HMG step, 1 LT. COL., 1 LT.

The elite Italian cavalry is holding a section of the line against two Soviet infantry battalions. The Italians, although they do not have a numerical advantage, have troops that clearly outclass the Soviets and will win a standup battle.

The key point for the scenario is the arrival of the second battalion of Italians. You can begin rolling on Turn 5 and their arrival is guaranteed by turn 9. In my case they arrived on turn 5. This arrival was critical as the first battalion had scattered the first Soviet battalion and was standing up to the second battalion of Soviets when the arrival of the mounted cavalry ran through the Soviet picket line along the road and wheeled behind the Soviet right wing. At the same time the SCIA were decimating the Soviets from the hill, which they won through strong coordinated fire and assault and a small detachment of the newly arrived cavalry began to turn the Soviet left.

As of turn 9 Soviet losses totalled 25 steps, many through double demoralization, and the Italians had not taken a single loss. While this was certainly extreme I can't see where the ultimate result can fall any other way. I do, however, enjoy the opportunity to use the Italians on the Russian Front. The mix of units and their varying capabilities make for an entertaining play. I give this one a "4".