War in Romagna: While all these things were happening in Tuscany, Valentino continued its expansion plans against the lords of Romagna.
Especially his eyes were pointed towards Imola, Forli, and Cesena.
The leader, it seemed that those were the best city on which to build a strong domain focus in those lands.
Cesare Borgia could be ruthless, but he was no fool so first he had accepted the friendship of Louis XII of France and Lance and the soldiers he sent in exchange for free passage.
Having received permission from his father Alexander to remove by force the lords of these estates that he had revoked, appeared under the walls of Imola asking the city's surrender in the name of the Pope and the church.
The people of Imola opened the gates to Vitellozzo Vitelli and his soldiers without fight.
The situation presented in Forlì was harder, the city was ruled by Caterina Sforza, who, besides being on good terms with Florence (because of his friendship with Savonarola) was also much loved by his people, and especially very skillful and determined.
She asked his people if he wanted the rule of the Borgias or if they wanted to fight "If you fight," she said "you have me as your guide, otherwise open the doors of the city and I will go into exile."
Poichèil people were undecided, knowing that Valentine was known for his cruelty, Catherine retired to the fortress ready to support the siege.
The battle lasted two years, so it occurred to Valentino to take the fortress.
Fact the besieged rebuilding what had been destroyed by night and by day soldiers fought with great determination, always managing to repel the attacker.
Only when the pope began to bombard the walls day and night, preventing defenders to repair them, they managed to produce two openings in the walls large enough to permit an assault army general of Valentine which were eventually also joined forces promised by France.
Caterina fought bravely, sword in hand, alongside his troops, and only when the situation became desperate was forced to surrender.
She did, however, in the hands of the French who, by ancient custom, do not hold women as prisoners.
Il Valentino was forced to leave her free and had even, when the French army moved southward, to accompany her to Rome.