If memory serves, Churchill had the gall to make a somewhat disdainful metaphor regarding the Italian campaign. Of course, overall, I like Churchill, he certainly towered over a good many politicians of his time (which make his occasional stupidity and vanity particularly frustrating to contemplate). A book you may enjoy, “The Desert Generals”, was written with very little reference to the US forces in the Africa campaign, it’s superb.
Army at Dawn:
The War in Africa
1942-1943
by Rick AtkinsonThe Day of Battle:
The War in Sicily and Italy
1943-1944
by Rick Atkinson