The CR.42 was an attempt by FIAT to modernize the CR.32 that saw great success in the Spanish Civil War. The CR.42 would also be an excellent biplane and was considered the best biplane of World War II by many experts and analists. Even though it was outdated, in early World War II it saw some success as an escort fighter, night fighter and even interceptor, it was even capable of dogfighting with some of the early variants of the Hurricane and Spitfire. When the war progressed the CR.42 was relegated to night bombing, light ground attacker or patrol. One of the most influential pilots of the night fighter variant of the CR.42 (The CR.42 CN) was the Italian pilot Luciano Marcolin, the commanding officer of the 377a Squadriglia Autonoma.

The Marcolin's C.R.42 CN was originally introduced in the German tech tree as a premium vehicle and is still available to those who unlocked it, however it was moved to the Italian tech tree as a gift vehicle in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica". The Marcolin's C.R.42 CN possesses exceptional manoeuvrability, speed, and durability, especially for a biplane. Its armament is quite good as well, due to the Breda-SAFAT .50 calibre MGs. The C.R.42 usually fights early P-36s and LaGG-3s. As such, the majority of aircraft the C.R.42 will engage are faster, and more heavily armed. Your best chances are climbing medium altitude, and lure fighters into turning combat. The majority of pilots underestimate biplanes, allowing you to score critical damage before they realize it's too late to retreat. By that time, the damage is usually severe enough that they cannot accelerate away from you quickly enough to escape further damage. Against other biplanes the CR.42 works best in extended dogfights, since you can retain energy better than other biplanes like the I-15 and Gladiator MK.II.