In January 1941, Vitali served in 75^a Squadriglia, 23^o Gruppo Autonomo C.T in Libya. The unit was at this time equipped with the Fiat CR.42.

On 24 January 1941, the Italian airfields were targeted by the British bombers with one SM 79 of the 232^a Squadriglia, 41^o Stormo, being destroyed and one RD at Soluch by eight Blenheims from 55 Squadron that attacked at 13:35, accurately claiming a direct hit on a bomber and another plane left in flames. Additionally, one SM 79 from the 15^o or 34^o Stormi was damaged at Sidi El Magrum. Maraua was also attacked by three machines of 45 Squadron but no losses were suffered there. During the day, one Blenheim (possibly from 113 Squadron) was heavily damaged but succeeded in limping back to base.
It seems that it had been intercepted by Sottotenente Vitali, who had taken off from Benghazi at 12:45 and claimed a probable British bomber.

Vitali ended the war with 1 probable biplane victory.

Claims:

Kill no.	Date	Time	Number	Type	Result	Plane type	Serial no.	Locality	Unit
	1941
	24/01/41	12:45-	1	Blenheim (a)	Probable	Fiat CR.42		Benghazi area	75a Squadriglia

Biplane victories: 1 probably destroyed.
TOTAL: 1 probably destroyed.
(a) Possibly a Blenheim from 113 Squadron, which was heavily damaged.

Sources:
Hurricanes over Tobruk - Brian Cull with Don Minterne, 1999 Grub Street, London, ISBN 1-902304-11-X
Additional information kindly provided by Ludovico Slongo.