Depends on a number of variables, but I think you can search this topic on the forum and get well informed responses as well as a few timelines.
Riain
Banned
It would depend on when and under what circumstances Italy joined the CP, but it is probably a war winner for the CP.
Containing and blockading Italy will require resources that the 'pre US entry' Entente can't really spare without drastically cutting back on the peripheral campaigns of OTL.
Italy itself will contribute it's own resources to the CP and provide strategic position to cut the Med in half and make life very uncomfortable for the Entente in the eastern Med.
Containing and blockading Italy will require resources that the 'pre US entry' Entente can't really spare without drastically cutting back on the peripheral campaigns of OTL.
Italy itself will contribute it's own resources to the CP and provide strategic position to cut the Med in half and make life very uncomfortable for the Entente in the eastern Med.
The Dual Monarchy loses a front, and the French gain a front. That's enough for Austria-Hungary to hold their own front without nearly so much German help, freeing German troops to hammer a France that has been forced to redirect troops to stand off Italy.
Depending how early the Italians join, this leads to anywhere between a decisive Central Powers victory (if Italy is sufficiently bribed to join in quickly, or if Germany fares better early and the Italians decide the Central Powers are going to inevitably win, leading them to join) to a minor Central Powers victory that's mostly a clear loss for Russia and Serbia.
Depending how early the Italians join, this leads to anywhere between a decisive Central Powers victory (if Italy is sufficiently bribed to join in quickly, or if Germany fares better early and the Italians decide the Central Powers are going to inevitably win, leading them to join) to a minor Central Powers victory that's mostly a clear loss for Russia and Serbia.
It's worth noting that italy and the Ottomans didn't get on to well at this time.
Italy joining the central powers in 1914 may mean neutral or entente Ottomans.
While Italy as a central power would have a big impact on the war the change in the balance of power could be reduced if the Ottomans no longer join the central powers.
If Italy and the Ottomans both join the central powers I would go so far as to say that Italy joining in 1914 would have been war winning for the central powers.
Italy distracting France could mean Germany winning the race to the sea. If not navally Italy could be a major threat to the entente in the rather Mediterranean (assuming Austria is willing to operate at sea at least somewhat).
Italy joining the central powers in 1914 may mean neutral or entente Ottomans.
While Italy as a central power would have a big impact on the war the change in the balance of power could be reduced if the Ottomans no longer join the central powers.
If Italy and the Ottomans both join the central powers I would go so far as to say that Italy joining in 1914 would have been war winning for the central powers.
Italy distracting France could mean Germany winning the race to the sea. If not navally Italy could be a major threat to the entente in the rather Mediterranean (assuming Austria is willing to operate at sea at least somewhat).
A little pressure is taken off Austria-Hungary which allows them to do a little more damage in the balklans and against Russia, nothing major just accelerates Russia's collapse by a week or two.
The big effect would be an Italian front in the south of France. 1914 was a pretty close thing, the diversion of even a few French divisions could result in Germany capturing Paris.
The big effect would be an Italian front in the south of France. 1914 was a pretty close thing, the diversion of even a few French divisions could result in Germany capturing Paris.