He was originally from Provence and served as a count of the palace under King Hugh.
[2] According to Liutprand of Cremona, the king gave money to Sarlio to raise opposition to Duke Anscar of Spoleto.
Sarlio married the widow of the previous duke, Theobald I, a nephew (nepos) of Hugh's, and obtained information and followers in Spoleto.
Although Sarlio did not enter the battle personally, his troops were victorious and Anscar was killed.
In 943, Hugh forced Sarlio to retire to a monastery—accusing him of murdering Anscar—and placed his bastard son Hubert, already ruling Tuscany, in charge of Spoleto.