On 24 March 1500, Louis II de la Trémoille joined the main French army at Mortara, Lombardy, with a corps of about 500 men, supported by artillery.

As a result, when the action began at Novara on the 8th, Sforza's Swiss refused to act against those of La Trémoille.

A cannonade caused Sforza and his army to retreat to the fortress of Novara, which was besieged by the French a few days later.

By this capitulation, which was executed on 10 April 1500, the Swiss and Landsknechts were allowed to return to their homes with their baggage, after having laid down their arms.

Their companions, the Lombards and the stratioti (Albanian and Greek light cavalry), came out of Novara and attempted to cut their way down the road to Tessin.