The Division was formed from Italian POWs in Germany and new conscripts from Northern Italy.

The Division was trained in Heuberg, western Bavaria, and was only ready for combat in December 1944.

Many soldiers were from the south of Italy and crossed the frontline to be able to return home.

However, the situation subsequently deteriorated for the Axis forces on the Gothic Line.

The 1st Italia Division was defeated by the Brazilian Expeditionary Force in the Battle of Collecchio and surrendered.