The aim of the Italian Army was to drive the Austrians away from its defensive positions along the Soča (Isonzo) river and surrounding mountains and hopefully capture the port of Trieste.

The Austro-Hungarians had the advantage of fighting from uphill positions barricaded with barbed wire which were able to easily resist the Italian assault.

In addition to the natural defenses of the river and mountains, bastions were created at Oslavia (Oslavje) and Podgora.

They made small footholds at Sagrado and Redipuglia on the Karst Plateau southeast of Gorizia but were unable to do much else.

On the Austrian-Hungarian side two commanders distinguished themselves: Major General Géza Lukachich von Somorja, commander of the 5th Mountain Brigade, who retook Redipuglia, and Major General Novak von Arienti who retook Hill 383 (overlooking Plave) with his 1st Mountain Brigade.