I play Axis in Tunisia unless I need to play Allies for a daily mission. My experience is that the Italian tanks are far less competitive than the Ally equivalents. For the tier 1 and 2, the armor and guns are about equal. The real advantage lies with the speed and MGs. British tanks can get into position and move so much faster. Huge advantage. Additionally, Italian MGs get 24 rounds/reload. British get 200+/reload-HUGE advantage! The Semovente vs the Grant - NO CONTEST! The Grant is borderline impervious to most Italian guns. Yes the Semo can pen from the front (at times) but generally when the allies have a Grant they win. The Grant has HE and APC as well as MGs. The Semo has a HE shell. I have engaged a Grant from the rear and fired near 10 rounds into the rear of the turret and engine, and it was infantry that ultimately killed it. Same for engaging from the side. It takes SO MANY shots to eventually kill it. In an Italian tank, you often die from ONE shot (usually two though). The speed really matters as tanks usually start so far to the rear and in low areas! The M-14 goes uphill at 8/kph! I never move forward as it is to slow to turn around if/when a zone is captured. Lately, when the Allies advance so quick, rather than try to fall-back, I just kill myself. If it’s not going to be fun, why do it?