The Battle of Rivoli, fought in January 1797, was a crucial engagement in the War of the First Coalition between French Revolutionary forces and the Austrian Empire. Strategically located near Verona, Rivoli Veronese was the site where General Napoleon Bonaparte faced a significant challenge from the Austrians, led by Jozsef Alvinczi. The Austrian forces aimed to regain control of Italy, which had been increasingly influenced by the French since the start of the revolution. Napoleon, aware of the potential threat posed by the Austrian advances, devised an innovative battle plan.

In the midst of wintry conditions, Bonaparte executed a brilliant tactical maneuver, utilizing the terrain to confine and defeat the larger Austrian army. His forces, numbering approximately 22,000 men, faced around 28,000 Austrians. Despite being outnumbered, Napoleon's rapid movements, effective use of artillery, and decisive counterattacks led to a spectacular French victory. The defeat of Alvinczi’s troops at Rivoli not only dismantled the Austrian plans but also bolstered the confidence of the French forces.

This victory was instrumental in establishing French dominance in northern Italy and marked the beginning of a prolonged period of French hegemony in the region that would last for two decades. The successful outcome at Rivoli solidified Napoleon's reputation as a military strategist and played a critical role in his ascent to power. The victory also set the stage for subsequent treaties and territorial changes in Europe, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the late 18th century.