In 1507, King Louis of France suppressed the revolt of Genoa (1506-7), and in 1508 he joined the League of Cambrai against Venice, defeating the Venetians at Agnadello (1509). When his Italian territories were attacked (1511) by Pope Julius II’s Holy League, he committed their defense to his nephew, Gaston de Foix, 1489-1512, duc de Nemours.

As commander of the French army in Italy in 1512, Gaston proved his outstanding ability, making his small army highly effective by the use of surprise and forced marches. He relieved Bologna, defeated the Venetians at Isola della Scala and Brescia, and successfully laid siege to Ravenna, where he was killed.