- Both were former Communists who became staunch Nationalists.
- Both tried to rescusitate dead empires.
- Both used ultra-machismo as their public persona (both had children out of wedlock).
- Both had overrated Armies who didn't want to be there.
- Both have countries that were harder than hell to conquer. Italy, because of the natural terrain and German defenses. Russia, because when foreign invaders invade their soil they become fanatics who you have to kill to conquer.
You’ve identified some valid comparisons.