Italy can normally take Egypt either round 2 or 3
Without German help I haven’t seen them be able to hold it for more than a turn. I always buy infantry and a fighter UK1 (sea lion) and after that I make sure cairo isn’t taken or kept by the italian. Even getting diced on my Toranto I was able to have it back by turn 4
As the UK, Egypt has always fustrated me. Could you elaborate as to how you accomplish that?
What I’ve seen in the past is Germany helping Italy out by taking out any remaining UK/French navy in the Med on turn 2 with their Air Force. That allows Italy to hit Egypt with their units in North Africa and two full transports, usually on turn 3. After that happens it’s been very difficult for the UK to retake it without US help. Plus if Japan holds off on attacking the western Allies until turn 3/4, that will keep the US from getting to the Med until at least turn 5 or so. By then, Italy normally as a minor IC there and a decent naval force.