When World War I began in July 1914, Italy was a partner in the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary, but decided to remain neutral. However, a strong sentiment existed within the general population and political factions to go to war against Austria-Hungary, Italy’s historical enemy. Britain and France wanted Italy to join in on their side so that a new front could open up t the south of the Western Front.

Prior to World War 1, Italy pledged alliance to Austria-Hungary and Germany. Moreover, the Triple Alliance recognized that both Italy and Austria-Hungary were interested in the Balkans and required both to consult each other before chan… Knowing that Austria, as a neighbor, was a lot more powerful, Italy wanted to avoid conflict with Austria by being allies with her. When World War I broke out in August 1914, Italy declared neutrality. The plan was to split still further the Central Powers so that its power on the Western and Eastern Fronts was weakened. Italy should have joined on the side of the Central Powers when war broke out in August 1914 but instead declared neutrality. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Italy_during_World_War_I In addition to that, Italy is guaranteed protection from Austria and Germany in case she’s being attacked. Although nominally allied with the German Empire and the Empire of Austria-Hungary in the Triple Alliance, the Kingdom of Italy did not join the Central Powers; in fact, Germany and Austria–Hungary had taken the offensive while the Triple Alliance was supposed to be a defensive alliance.
The Italian government had become convinced that support of the Central Powers would not gain Italy the territories she wanted as they were Austrian possessions – …