A detailed examination of one of Italy's leading units in World War 2, 53° Stormo saw action on the French Front, the Balkans, in North Africa and the Mediterranean in some of the most iconic Italian fighters of the conflict - CR.32/42, Fiat G.50, Macchi C.200 and C.202, as well as the Bf 109G, 53° Stormo fought its final actions over Rome, Torino and Milan. Featuring first-hand accounts, numerous photos and colourful artwork, this book is a great addition to Osprey's Aviation Elite Units series.

A native of Rome, Marco Mattioli has been interested in military history since he was a teenager. In 1992 he joined the Italian National Journalist Order, after which he was employed as a writer for several leading Italian history publishers. He has also contributed to many important Italian history and defence magazines, as well as writing a number of books on Italian military aviation.