Albanian resistance began in 1940 with small "çetas" but it became a significant force in 1942. Even during this period there were small groups of Italian soldiers who deserted the fascist army and joined the Albanian partisans. When Italy capitulated in September 1943 there were already some 122 Italian partisans dispersed among various units in Albanian National Liberation Army. When Italy capitulated there were some 100,000 Italian soldiers in Albania. They were from the "Firence", "Parma", "Perugia", "Arezzo", "Brennero" divisions and other small independent units.