In 1928, the new Fascist regime in Italy tried to increase influence and power within Albania, and General Alberto Pariani was sent as a military "advisor". The Albanian Prime Minister Ahmed Zog sidestepped the Italian military mission and appointed himself as Chief of General Staff. The following year, Zog made himself King of Albania, and von Myrdacz was immediately entrusted as chief of staff of the Royal Albanian Army. It suited Zog and the Albanians to have their army trained by a man who had fought the Italians. Italy invaded Albania on 7 April 1939, when von Myrdaczy and other high-ranking Albanian officers were not present. Zog escaped to Greece, leaving the country without defense, and Albania was occupied in three days without any resistance.