Massena avoided battle; but such was the overwhelming superiority of Alvinzi, that he was forced to abandon the position of Bassano.

Napoleon himself hurried forward to sustain Massena; and a severe rencontre, in which either side claimed the victory, took place at Vicenza.

The French, however, retreated, and Buonaparte fixed his headquarters at Verona.

The whole country between the Brenta and the Adige was in the enemy's hands; while the still strong and determined garrison of Mantua in Napoleon's rear, rendering it indispensable for him to divide his forces, made his position eminently critical.
His first care was to visit the discomfited troops of Vaubois.

"You have displeased me," said he, "you have suffered yourselves to be driven from positions where a handful of determined men might have bid an army defiance.