Initially he ruled the city with his uncle Francesco, but in 1332, the two were ousted by a Papal Army remaining in control of Forlimpopoli only.
The following year, however, he became the Ghibelline leader in Romagna, receiving the seigniories of Cesena and Bertinoro and establishing a firm rule on Forlì.
The excommunication was later renewed when he sided for Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria in order to avoid the tribute, being named imperial vicar.
In 1350 Francesco conquered Bertinoro, Meldola, Fontanafredda and Ghiaggiolo, but had to face the opposition of the strong Papal general Gil de Albornoz, supported by the Malatesta of Rimini, as well as another excommunication.
Despite the strong resistance of his wife Cia degli Ubaldini and his son Ludovico, Cesena fell on 21 June, soon followed by Bertinoro.