 Italy had declared neutrality at the start of World War I , but by July 1915 , the Triple Entente had convinced the Italians to enter the war against the Central Powers . Admiral Paolo Thaon di Revel , the Italian naval chief of staff , believed that the threat from Austro @-@ Hungarian submarines and naval mines in the narrow waters of the Adriatic was too serious for him to use the fleet in an active way . Instead , Revel decided to implement a blockade at the relatively safer southern end of the Adriatic with the main fleet , while smaller vessels , such as the MAS boats , conducted raids on Austro @-@ Hungarian ships and installations . For their part , the Austro @-@ Hungarians adopted a similar strategy , as they too were unwilling to risk the heavy units of their fleet . She was the flagship for the Northern Adriatic Naval Forces after Italy entered the war . The Northern Adriatic Naval Forces also included the two old Ammiraglio di Saint Bon @-@ class battleships , two cruisers , and several smaller craft . The ships were tasked with defending Venice from Austro @-@ Hungarian attacks ; this service lasted until 15 November 1917 . Since neither the Italians or Austro @-@ Hungarians were willing to risk the main units of their fleets , Sardegna had an uneventful career during the war . 
