Germany can help Italy and maybe secure Egypt on turn 2. Here is How:
G1: use air force and subs to hit UK ships as needed. Make sure they all land in N. Italy do battles that will not cost planes. 8 air units available I believe.
UK1: moves to Egypt maybe 1 ftr, 1 armor, 3 inf, 1 art.
I1: Italy take Alexandra with everything including the kitchen sink. This means staging air units in Tobruk if needed. See below.
G2: Fly air force over sea zones: 97, 99 ,98 ,Egypt-attack,land in Alexandra. Fight one combat round. Roll 3 Tactical fighters, 4 fighters, 1 Bomber: get 4-5 hits. Lose 2-3 planes. Decide if you want another round or if staged Italy can finish Egypt. If factory Egypt, go round 2, hit 3 times, lose 1-2 planes.
UK2: maybe builds 3 units if factory there.
I2: Capture Egypt. Build (turn 3) or Capture a Factory.
I3: Attack Trans-Jordan, take, move all mechanized infantry and tanks to Iraq non combat, gain 3 infantry, build factory turn 4.
I4: Ignore Africa. Move to Northwest Persia and Persia, build factory turn 5.
I5: Move to Caucasus. Help Germany in Russia, no need for a fleet.
Done. Maybe Italy doesn’t have a nice shiny fleet, but with Egypt, Trans-Jordan, Syria, Greece, South France, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Persia and Caucasus, they will collect 27IPCs +5 NO = 32 IPCs minus convoys, have 2-3 minor factories in Iraq,Persia,Eygpt and create a southern front on Russia. (Note: Normandy may be giving to Italy also for 3 IPCs if no convoy disruption.)
Is that Broken? Maybe so, if it takes too long to realize this tactic.
How does it hurt Germany to have an air force that must then fly to N. Italy turn 3 minus 3-5 planes.
Did that make Italy viable for 30-50 IPCs of German starting units?
Does the German air force out of position and destroyed make up for a second front in Russia?
You decide.