Francesco I Sforza
Soldier of fortune turned duke, Francesco I Sforza was the illegitimate son of a condottiere who rose to become one of Italy's most powerful rulers. After the Visconti dynasty of Milan died out in 1447, he fought and negotiated his way to the ducal throne, entering Milan in triumph on 26 February 1450. His reign modernised Milanese administration, established the Ospedale Maggiore (now Ca' Granda), and formed the Italic League (1454) that stabilised peninsular peace for four decades.
- Nationality: Italian
- Roles: condottiere, duke
