Francesco II Gonzaga
Fourth Marquis of Mantua and captain-general of the Italian League, Francesco II Gonzaga commanded the allied Italian forces at the Battle of Fornovo (1495), checking the retreat of Charles VIII's army from Naples. Although tactically inconclusive, Fornovo was the largest pitched battle in Italy in a century, and Francesco was celebrated as a defender of Italian honour. He later served alternately Venice, France, and the papacy as a condottiere. He was held captive by Venice (1509-10) and died of syphilis in 1519, succeeded by his more polished son Federico.
- Nationality: Italian
- Roles: marquis, condottiere
