[1][2] The division's lineage begins with the Brigade "Avellino" established during World War I in Camposampiero on 26 May 1916.

The brigade was the infantry component of the 11th Territorial Division of Bolzano, which also included the 9th Artillery Regiment.

[1][5][6] On 4 January 1940, the Brennero division was transferred to Pianezza and San Maurizio Canavese region.

Some the division's units participated in the invasion of France and entered the front on 19 June 1940 at Mont Cenis.

The total loss of life for Brennero was 18 men killed and 74 wounded, with half of the deaths attributed to exposure to the elements.

On 9–12 February 1941 Brennero helped to defeat a Greek attack on Tepelenë, with about two-thirds of the division becoming casualties in the fierce fighting.

From 7–23 April 1941, the Brennero attacked in the area of Kurvelesh and broke through Greek lines after 4 days of fighting.

[1][2] After the war had ended the division moved to Greece, where it was assigned to the III Army Corps and tasked with counter-insurgency and police duties in Athens.