Francesco I Sforza

Francesco Sforza (1401–1466) was the Italian condottiero who founded the Sforza dynasty in Milan. Born at Cigoli in Tuscany, illegitimate son of condottiero Muzio Sforza, he fought from his teens in his father's company and served in turn Naples, the papacy, Florence, Venice and the Visconti.

In 1433–1435 he attacked the Papal States for Milan, then changed sides after taking Ancona and became its papal vicar. In 1441 he married Bianca Maria Visconti, daughter of Duke Filippo Maria. After 1447 he first served, then besieged the Ambrosian Republic, entering Milan as duke in 1450.

He improved irrigation canals, reorganised the administration and helped broker the Treaty of Lodi in 1454. He ruled until his death, succeeded by his son Galeazzo Maria.