He was born in Bologna in 1880 and entered the Military Academy of Modena in 1899, graduating in 1901 with the rank of second lieutenant.

In 1911–1912 he participated in the Italo-Turkish War as a mountain artillery officer, earning a Bronze Medal of Military Valor for his role in the battle of Ain Zara and a Silver Medal of Military Valor for his behaviour during the battle of Misrata.

In January 1937 he was promoted to major general and given command of the "Metauro" Infantry Division in Ancona, which in 1939 was renamed 18th Infantry Division Messina; in May 1939 he assumed command of the Motorized Corps, with headquarters in Cremona.

After being briefly in command of the 1st Army, on 27 August 1940 he was appointed Commander-General of the Carabinieri, a post he held until 22 February 1943, when he left due to age limits, being replaced by General Azolino Hazon.

He was then retained in service and attached to the Ministry of War, with the post of director-general of the recruitment of non-commissioned officers and soldiers, which he held until 31 July 1944.