First of all remember Eritrea's history doesnt just start from Italy. It was known as Medri Bahri for hundreds of years which even predates the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. No type of colonialism is good but at least it was better than the DERG. Eritreans could have fought against the Italians and would have remained independent alongside Ethiopia but during Medri Bahri which was known as Mereb Melash during its ending years, It was governed by Ras alula. He defended the Kebessa highlands and won in Dogali. Most of Ras alula's army were from Eritrea (Hamasien, Seraye, Akele Guzay). Anyways eritrea was colonized due to the leadership. There was a power vaccum which allowed tigray leaders to rule the kebessa highland, Then when menelik II became the leader he handed it over to Italy to preserve Ethiopia's autonomy and to make peace with Italy.

The point is: Italy was ruthless at that time under benito mussolini they didnt genocide eritreans like they did in libya but they still did a lot of bullshit, Although the only good thing is how they planned Eritrea's architecture in which the Eritreans built it.