Carcano, Brianza. The Milanese prepare a chariot and move to attack. The battle unfolds on a one-kilometer front. Frederick is likely caught by surprise, as the men who emerged from the chariot almost manage to reach the imperial camp. The battle becomes a furious melee. Meanwhile, on the opposite flank, the Milanese cavalry charge sweeps away the Novara and Monferrato contingents. The Milanese and Brescians triumph: 2,000 imperial troops retreat in disarray. A sudden summer storm interrupts the hostilities. But the Milanese quickly regain the initiative and descend on the undefended imperial camp, freeing dozens of prisoners and looting it. Only a few hundred men remain with Frederick and he experiences difficult times. The Swabian withdraws from the fight and retreats to Como. The Milanese thus discover that, thanks to well-coordinated actions, they are capable of facing the imperial cavalry in open battle.
