Michele Antonio, Marquess of Saluzzo

Cornuto of Michele Antonio of Saluzzo, from the mint of Carmagnola.

Michele Antonio del Vasto (March 26, 1495 – October 18, 1528) was the marquess of Saluzzo from 1504 until his death.

Born in Saluzzo, the elder son of Marquess Ludovico II of Saluzzo and Margaret of Foix-Candale, he was count of Carmagnola until he succeeded to his father. He took part, initially alongside Ludovico, in the Italian Wars of Louis XII and Francis I of France. In particular, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Pavia (1525).

Michele Antonio died for the wounds from a cannon ball at the battle of Aversa. According to his last will, he was buried in the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome, while his heart was kept in Piedmont.

A ballad about the wounded marquess explaining his last will was popular among the Italian Alpini during World War I.

See also

• Italian War of 1521-1526

Preceded by Ludovico II

Marquess of Saluzzo 1504–1528

Succeeded by Giovanni Ludovico