during the early years of world war ii, he took part in some actions against france, and was then named commander of the school of cavalry in pinerolo. in september 1943, he was named commander of the rebuilt armoured division "ariete", one of the strongest divisions of the regio esercito. after the armistice of italy, the "ariete" division participated in the defense of rome against the german attack, but was disbanded after the military commander of rome, general calvi di bergolo, had signed a ceasefire with the german commands.