Good invasion of Austria. He pulled a good re-invasion of you. I think you might have needed more defense once the Turks started coming your way instead of going westward

Turkey has the strongest natural position on the board. As Italy in a gunboat, I'm never attacking Austria until I see Turkey commit completely against Russia AND Austria is able to defend itself effectively in its eastern front against Turkey. You gained quite a few SCs in the first two years, but weakened Austria to the point where the objective became burning you down with him. Russia was also very weak from the beginning.

With your opening, you were locked into attacking Austria no matter what. I think you really need to maintain flexibility as Italy in a GB. A four unit Austria starting 1902 should not be a target for Italy. You're inviting Turkey to solo, as you just experienced.

You played well for the most part; strategy was the problem in my eyes.

Thanks for the comments.

@Leth: I forgot to emphasise that this was gunboat, so it wasn't his smooth words either.. But I see what you mean.

@Jason: I presume you're referring to A02. I trusted France to move NAf-Tun, so supporting from there had no effect. There was a chance he would convoy out again though. Just holding there seemed too passive for my Fleet. I considered Tun-Ion (S Nap), Rom-Tyrr, but I was expecting Austria to move Tyrr which would lose me Tun. In hindsight, perhaps Tun-Ion, Rom-Tyrr (S Nap) would have been good.
After seeing the results of S03, I realised I would be unable to hold Italy. I figured I could only achieve a draw by bolting for the stalemate line and setting up camp there..

@Matticus: Interesting thought; that does make sense. I'll reply later.

The Ionian Sea is vital to a proper Italian defence, and its loss allows one entry to the Iralian peninsula even when either land route is shut off. Notice how the defeated Auatrians penetrated north to Taranto [Apulia] and Venice. diverting you and crippling your front against the Turks, who soon returned.

I see what Matticus means about waiting to attack Austria depending on what Turkey does.

I seriously don't understand why people attack Austria in a gunboat

*as Italy

There are certainly times when it is more than appropriate to attack Austria as Italy. When it's an A/T vs R, you usually should barge into Austria to aid Russia (unless France has come south [a rare sight early in GB]). I'm just saying the opportunity will be there in 1902 if it happens to be the right move.