Hello!
I wonder if the identification as Italian was based on the camouflage of the planes.
Because Soviets also identified Fw 190s as Machhis in Leningrad area in July 1943!!
Compare thread "
Mietusch 7./JG26, Leningrad area & three-color camo Fw 190s" started by me:
http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/showthread.php?t=8108
I stress that I/JG 26 and 7./JG 26 might have
arrived with three-tone (uppers) camouflaged Fw 190 to the Eastern Front (Luftflotte 1 - Leningrad - area). I wonder if this was done in preparation for transfer to more South to Luftflotte 6 area during the Kursk operation in the summer 1943. There perhaps was not so much revetment and camouflage material on airfields there? Same goes for JG 54 which had it's own improvisations.
Like I mention in the linked thread Eric Mombeek does have couple of photos of those odd-camo JG 26 Fw 190s.
Food for thought,
Kari