The Battle of Ceresole took place during the Italian War of 1542–46, a conflict primarily driven by the rivalry between Francis I of France and Charles V of the Habsburgs. On the fields of Ceresole, located near the city of Saluzzo in Northern Italy, the French army, composed of about 14,000 troops under the command of the young Duke of Enghien, faced off against a well-fortified Habsburg contingent commanded by the experienced General Alfonso d'Avalos. The French troops employed innovative tactics, including the effective use of artillery and rapid cavalry maneuvers, to outmaneuver and overwhelm the Habsburg forces in a fierce engagement. Despite the well-executed strategies and the morale boost that came with defeating a powerful foe, the French army's inability to follow up on their victory proved detrimental. The logistical strains of advancing further into Habsburg territory, coupled with the remnants of Habsburg resistance, made it unfeasible for the French to capitalize on their triumph. This hesitation allowed the Habsburg forces to regroup and maintain their territorial claims, leading to a subsequent stalemate in the conflict that would last for several more years. The Battle of Ceresole, while a tactical win for the French, highlighted the complexities of warfare during this period, with victories being tempered by the realities of military logistics, intelligence failures, and the necessity for sustained campaigns to convert victories into meaningful territorial gains. The dynamics of this battle would leave an indelible mark on future engagements, prompting both sides to adapt their strategies in subsequent conflicts.