In the spring of 1344 Queen Joan I of Naples sent royal seneschal Reforce (Reforza or Rinforzato) d'Agoult to northern Italy in hopes of putting an end to the war with John II, Marquess of Montferrat.

[4] The latter had subjugated Mondovì, Cherasco, and Savigliano, ousted the Falletti from Alba, and later moved against Chieri, a stronghold of the Angevine possessions in Piedmont.

Initially uncertain, the outcome was a victory for the Ghibellines, who recovered the besieged fortress and dealt a severe blow to Angevin influence in Piedmont.

To celebrate his victory, John built a new church in Asti in honour of Saint George, near whose feast day the battle was won.

The Angevins lost almost complete control of the region and many formerly French cities declared themselves independent.