Alberto da Giussano

Monument to Alberto da Giussano in Legnano, Milan province

Alberto da Giussano was a Lombard legendary Guelph warrior during the wars of the Lombard League against Frederick Barbarossa in the 12th century. A tradition, probably fabricated by 14th century Milanese chroniclers, attributes him the deed of forming the "Company of Death" that defended the Carroccio of the League at the Battle of Legnano.

The first historical citation of his name is in 1196. He is thought to have been a notaro and a podestà.

Italian political party Lega Nord makes use of his myth. The electoral emblem of the party features Alberto with an image inspired by the statue of him erected at Legnano in 1900. Also the infantry brigade Legnano of the Italian Army used the image of this statue as symbol.

Sources

• Troisi, Francesco (May 2010). "Quel 29 Maggio del 1176". Medioevo (in Italian): pp. 18–29. 

See also

• Battle of Legnano
• Company of Death
• Lombard League