He was elected podestà of Mantua in 1328, as well as of Reggio Emilia. In 1335 he became lord of the latter city.

In 1360 he became the second capitano del popolo in Mantua. He was appointed to that position at the old age of 70, together with his son Ugolino, who most likely held the effective power until his assassination (14 October 1362) by the brothers Francesco and Ludovico.

He was in power in 1368 when Mantua was occupied by Barnabò Visconti, although the city was freed through the intervention of emperor Charles IV. With the peace of Bologna, Mantua obtained the lands of Cavriana, Castiglione delle Stiviere, Solferino, Volta, Medole and Ceresara.

He died in 1369 and was succeeded by his son, whom he had with Beatrix of Bar, Ludovico II in the city's government.^{[citation needed]}