Earliest Possible United Italy?

Inspired by an EU3 game where I united the peninsula in 1512 as Venice. With a POD no earlier than 1453 (EU3 start date ;)), what is the earliest you could get a united Italy, with most, if not all, of mainland Italy?
 
Machiavelli was an Italian nationalist. Putting him (or someone with similar ideals) into a position of power could do it.
 
A different outcome to the Italian Wars could possibly produce a united Italy in the late 15th or 16th century, right around the time the OP managed it in Europe Universalis III. Considering all the political maneuvering and backstabbing of the Italian Wars in OTL, I could certainly see the Milanese, Venetians, Papacy, or some other faction managing to maneuver their way into creating a united Italian state. That also offers the intriguing possibility of creating an Italy which is a monarchy, republic, or even a theocratic state.
 

Thande

Donor
Right. Well, if the French invasion of Italy goes better, possibly with English support, the peninsula may well be entirely under French rule by 1560.

That doesn't necessarily = a united Italy when the French empire breaks down, though.

This is a bit of a tricky one after 1435, I have to say. There are two many medium-power Italian states at loggerheads with each other (Naples-Sicily, Venice, Florence, Piedmont, Tuscany...)
 
This is a bit of a tricky one after 1435, I have to say. There are two many medium-power Italian states at loggerheads with each other (Naples-Sicily, Venice, Florence, Piedmont, Tuscany...)

True; if the Italian Wars of OTL are any indication all of the other Italian states are going to be quick to align against any one state that looks to be in too strong of a position, which makes any unification by force of arms almost impossible.
 
Top