Italy 10k, what is best strategy and expansion?

I would like to know how to expand as Italy and what is the best strategy for it.

When I try playing as Italy, I think the best strategy is perfect defense. The first thing you want to do is attack the balkans. That's all I really know what to do as Italy.

Dont attack cities for no reason
find which combo of units lose the least units with the most net gain of units on the next turn
person with most units wins games