" On the turn that Germany takes Paris, or London, or declares war on Russia, Italy joins the Axis on the start of its turn" page 25 of 7.2 rulebook. i would assume that in the case of Germany ignoring the western allies and going straight for Russia, Italy would only end up at war with Russia and not the rest of the Allies like Germany, i come to this conclusion because it says joins the axis, implying that Italy would be at war with anyone who is at war with the axis. Italy being able to build up for a confrontation with Britain for many turns while also helping in the fight with Russia is key. Italy can secure the Turkish straights and focus on the southern flank of Russia, allowing Germany to only attack in the North. The question that is risen by this scenario is can the Axis attack strict neutrals without provoking the allies, and more importantly can they attack pro allied without consequence, because both Hungary and Bulgaria require the axis to hold Yugoslavia and Greece to attack. This is an interesting prospect and i’m looking forward to trying it when i find reliable players.