The Italian fleet, commanded by Admiral Persano, mustered 12 ironclad and 17 wooden-hulled ships, though only one, Affondatore, was of the most modern turret ship design.
Armada Italia, diperintah oleh Laksamana Persano, mengerahkan 12 kapal berlapis besi dan 17 wooden-hulled ship, walau hanya satu, Affondatore, yang berdesain kapal bermenara paling modern.