The Venetian Republic is desirous of rapid and conclusive operations, but it is in the interest of Carmagnola, as indeed to all other soldiers of fortune, to make the operations last as long as possible, to avoid decisive operations, and to liberate all prisoners quickly.

Asa consequence, the campaign drags on interminably, some battles are won and others lost, truces and peace treaties are made only to be broken, and no definite result is achieved.

Visconti can count on some of the best condottieri of the time, such as Sforza, Agnolo della Pergola, Piccinino and Guido Torello.

But, as they are jealous, he names supreme commander Carlo Malatesta.

Carmagnola had quickly taken Brescia for Venice, then made sure he campaigned very slowly, doing very little for a long time, forcing Venice to pay incredible amounts in upkeep for the almost useless army.

Eventually the public is starting to catch on to this, so Carmagnola decides he needs another big victory to keep in command.

He finally moves into enemy territory and meets the army of Filippo Maria, under Malatesta, at Maclodio.

The town itself is virtually destroyed in the battle, and the result is a decisive victory for Venice.