On the morning of May 10th, 1796. Napoleon's advance guard under the command of General Dallemagne arrived at the city of Lodi, barely catching up to the Austrian rear guards.
Dallemagne watched as the Austrians crossed the bridge, and from the other side, he saw cannons being set up, battalions forming ranks, and infantry preparing for a defensive stand. The Austrians had chosen to make their last stand at the strategic bridge of Lodi, a crucial crossing point over the Adda River. If they could hold this position, they hoped to slow down the advancing French forces and regroup their scattered troops.
Dallemagne, a seasoned general, understood the significance of this moment. The fate of the entire campaign could hinge on the outcome of this battle. He knew that a direct assault on the fortified bridgehead would result in heavy casualties, so they needed to come up with a plan.
