In 1926, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel (Tenente Colonnello) and, in November of that year, Maletti returned to Italy for a short period of time.

Prior to the Battle of Genale Doria, Maletti commanded a flying column which was sent to attack a group of retreating Ethiopians.

The soldiers then looted the monastery carrying off crowns and robes of several of Ethiopia's past Emperors, and numerous manuscripts that have never been recovered.

After initially becoming lost whilst making his way to the staging area, he advanced into Egypt and occupied fortified positions near Sidi Barrani.

On 9 December 1940, Maletti was killed in action at the fortified Nibeiwa Camp when British forces counterattacked during the early stages of Operation Compass.

The Italians were caught completely off guard and many did not even reach their tanks, including General Maletti, who was killed emerging from his dugout.

The Italian artillery fought on valiantly, firing on the Matildas and recording many hits, some at point-blank range - but none penetrated their 70 mm of armour.

The remaining Italian tanks were captured intact, and the Libyan infantry, left practically defenceless, quickly surrendered.

On December 8 Maletti had already correctly alerted the nearby 2nd Libyan Division that the unusual low-level flying activity by the RAF was probably intended to mask the movement of armoured units [4] and at 06.30 December 9th (well before the beginning of the actual main assault) he was already in contact with the commanders of both the 1st and 2nd Libyan Divisions reporting the British preparatory movements.