The article discusses the main components of the Nazi propaganda to create a positive image of fascist Italy in the early years of the Nazi Party in power. The purpose of the study was to depict the politics of the Third Reich in advocacy and targeted shaping of public opinion. The article analyzes the structure and effectiveness of the «image of a friend» impact. The object of the study is the image of Fascist Italy, created by the Nazi propaganda. A special attention is given to the transformation of the perception of Italy’s image during the first attempt of «Anschluss». The techniques and methods of the National Socialist propaganda to form the image of Italy during the conflict are highlighted. It is proved that the choice of Italy as the main international partner was far from accidental. The author shows the factors determining process of transformation of Italy’s image, taken into consideration that up to 1933 that German public’s perception of Italy was highly controversial. Also in the light of the theory of propaganda, the problem of creating a new image of Italy and radical change in German public perception are considered.