 Complete the following phrase:  In spite of Albanias long-standing protection and alliance with Italy, on 7 April 1939 Italian troops invaded Albania, five months before the start of the Second World War. The Albanian armed resistance proved ineffective against the Italians and, after a short defense, the country was occupied. On 9 April 1939 the Albanian king, Zog I fled to Greece. Although Albania had been a de facto Italian protectorate since 1927, Italys political leader, Benito Mussolini wanted direct control over the country to increase his and Italys prestige, provide a response to Germanys 