On January 22, 1944, the Allies commenced Operation Shingle to outflank the Germans at the Winter Line and push toward Rome: Valmontone was an important objective on the way to Rome, in according to the Operation Buffalo, May–June 1944.
Sforza was born in 1603, the son of Alessandro Sforza, 7th Count of Santa Fiora, Duke of Segni and Prince of Valmontone - and Eleonora Orsini.