born July 23, 1401, San Miniato, Tuscany
died March 8, 1466, Milan
Italian mercenary and duke of Milan (1450–66).
He became condottiere of Florence in 1434 and defeated Milan twice (1438, 1440), then was hired by the Milanese to serve as captain general in their struggle to found a republic (1447). He later blockaded the city and seized control, becoming duke of Milan in 1450, and he allied with Florence to secure the Peace of Sforza family .