Tyrolia is really the key to a succesful attack on Austria-Hungary.
Especially as Germany or Italy. But may also be useful as France if you are
either allied with Italy, have conquered Italy, or Germany. This area is so
valuable because it threatens a large number of supply centers.
From Tyrolia you can either defend or attack, Munich, Vienna, Trieste, or Venice.
Additionally the road to Budapest, Serbia, Rome, Warsaw, and Berlin is not
very long. If you as France are allied with Germany and want to attack Italy
think hard about one of you making a surprise move into this area. A German
army here combined with a french army in Piedmonte is a favorable attack in
my opinion. Of course a fleet in Gulf of Lyon doesn't hurt. Now this is not
nice towards italy, but take heart if you play that country, occupying
Tyrolia can bring you in a very favorable position. But never forget the
golden rule. No matter who you are you MUST have an ally. As Sun Tzu said
"Never fight a battle you can't win". So might as well make sure that your
victim doesn't stand a chance.
Sincerely Gorm Eysteinsson Fjaerli
Et Vive la France
The Archduke must place an army in Tyrolia in the first year if there is any possibility that Germany or Italy will turn hostile (which, considering that Austria is such a tempting target, is almost always). With an army in Tyrolia, and a unit in Trieste, the Archduke stands a chance of fighting off an attack from either power.
A combined attack from Germany and Italy can be fought off if France can be persuaded to help. Bur->Mun and Mar->Pie should render a German/Italian attack on Tyrolia ineffective.
DMG2206