Design
In the Mediterranean battleship arms race the Italians needed to increase their number of battleships as France had several new building programs in progress.
The Duilio class were to be based upon the Cavour class design. The secondary armament was increased to 6" L/45 Schneider guns. The armor layout was almost identical.
Orders were placed in September 1911 for the Caio Duilio and Andrea Doria.