The island was defended by the two corps of the Italian 6th Army under General Alfredo Guzzoni, although specially designated Fortress Areas around the main ports (Piazze Militari Marittime), were commanded by admirals subordinate to Naval Headquarters and independent of the 6th Army.
Insula era apărată de două corpuri ale Armatei a 6-a Italiene conduse de generalul Alfredo Guzzoni, deși zonele întărite speciale aflate în jurul principalelor porturi (Piazze Militari Marittime) erau comandate de amirali subordonați Comandamentelui Navale, ce acționa independent de Armata a 6-a.