After completing his high school studies, he enlisted in the Royal Italian Army and entered the Military Academy of Modena and graduated with the rank of second lieutenant on June 17, 1866, in time to participate in the Third Italian War of Independence and sent to serve in the 60th Infantry Regiment "Calabria" which was stationed in Naples where he took part in the repression of the revolts that broke out in the same year.

On 2 November 1887, he left again for East Africa following the expedition led by General Alessandro Asinari di San Marzano,[2] destined to serve in the Autonomous Battalion of the Cacciatori d'Africa,[3] transferring to the 1st Indigenous Infantry Regiment in 1888.

On July 17[5] of the following year he participated in the Battle of Kassala,[6] being awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus for having distinguished himself in the fight[7] against the Mahdist Sudanese.

[5] General Oreste Baratieri[8] remained in Kassala until 23 July with the bulk of the troops, at the same time giving the necessary provisions to make the occupation stable.

[13] Commander of the vanguard battalion of the indigenous brigade alone withstood the first blow of the enemy masses, displaying exemplary energy and courage.