This time, aided by sharp-shooters who waded to islets in the river, the assailants cleared the bridge, bayoneted the Austrian cannoneers, attacked the first and second lines of supporting foot, and, when reinforced, compelled horse and foot to retreat towards Mantua.[46] Such was the affair of Lodi (May 10th).

A legendary glamour hovers around all the details of this conflict and invests it with fictitious importance.

Beaulieu's main force was far away, and there was no hope of entrapping anything more than the rear of his army.

Moreover, if this were the object, why was not the flank move of the French cavalry above Lodi pushed home earlier in the fight?
This, if supported by infantry, could have outflanked the enemy while the perilous rush was made against the bridge; and such a turning movement would probably have enveloped the Austrian force while it was being shattered in front.

That is the view in which the strategist, Clausewitz, regards this encounter.