(Italy) Hello everybody, I wish you all good luck. I will begin by emphasizing that I am speaking objectively for myself, not my driver, though obviously my messages will contain a certain bias.
On Austria- Well, Austria and Italy typically ally early in the game, this is for good reason. If one attacks the other he is doomed to be killed by a Juggernaut. As such a DMZ in the Ven Trieste area may be achievable. Though it is completely up to the drivers as to what to do.
On England- England and Italy do not typically work together due to the distance between, but I would like to extend a gracious hand to you if you (or anyone) ask for help, assuming the Channel DMZ is violated.
On France- It is very difficult for one of our countries to gear up for war without the other taking notice, as they any build and move towards the other can be stopped with a build. We also have bigger concerns in our spheres of influence for the early game. Early peace is usually the way to go.
On Germany- Much like England, but with the added possibility of an attack on Austria, though such would be risky.
On Russia- Well, if a Lepanto occurs, Russia is key. He can stalemate it or end Turkey. And the mid-game could go well for Russia and Italy, depending on how well early alliances go.
On Turkey- The Wicked Witch of the east. A good man to work with if you aggress Austria, or a good man to leave alone if he attacks Russia.
While I have made a few limited cases of why/how alliances with Italy can work, I will admit that there are more variations. I would also like to state that in any conflict, Italy can be a key player, be it the west or east, they can turn a stalemate into a victory if you treat them well, and vice versa if treated poorly. If you are interested in teaming with Italy please respond, you are our only hope.