common belief is that Hitler and Mussolini were best friends
but the truth is Hitler misused Mussolini just as chessfigure in his Powergames
Mussolini had in beginn little regard for Hitler, later became his fanatic follower
But WI the first meeting Mussolini and Hitler in Venice 1934
end in a diplomatic Disaster (OTL almost happend thanks unprepared Hitler)
also because the Nazis had assassinated Mussolini friend and ally, Engelbert Dollfuss the Austrofascist dictator of Austria in 1933.
And Mossolini assessment is affirms
"I don't like the look of him."
So no Rome-Berlin Axis and Pact of Steel
no persecution of jews in Italy
but trouble with Thrid Reich about Austria, South Tyrol and Yugoslavia
and there Munich Conference in april 1939, were Mussolini is against Hitler demands
will Italy become Victim of Hitler vengeance in WW2 and Mussolini join the Allied ?