Originally Posted by PzJgr

I would agree. Mussolini would be sticking his prideful chest out further and would think that he had the upper hand over Hitler. It would also be forcing Mussolini and Hitler to upgrade the attention in the Mediterranean since Hitler was obsessed with the Ploesti oilfields, he would be just as paranoid about the 'Italian oilfields.'

But it would not change the structure or way of thinking of the Italian Facists government. They may be richer but non the less smarter nor more advanced military.