Squarcina Borri

Squarcina Borri, also called Scarsini (1230–1277) was an Italian condottiero and lord of the lands of Santo Stefano Ticino.

Born in Santo Stefano Ticino in 1230, Squarcina was the son of Lanfranco of Borri (end of 12th – early 13th century), the local feudal lord of the city of Santo Stefano Ticino. The Borri family was one of the most respected in Milan, and counted among its ranks a saint, Monas of Milan, Bishop of Milan. Even in his youth, Squarcina (unlike his father) undertook a military career and placed himself at the head of the noble exiles from Milan after the Torriani took power in Milan. He remained a faithful supporter of the Visconti family and distinguished himself as a captain in the service of Ottone Visconti in the famous Battle of Desio in January 1277.

In 1254, he married Antonia (1236–?) of an unknown lineage, and they had a daughter Bonacossa Borri, who in 1269 married Matteo I Visconti, a future Lord of Milan. At the same time the family Borri were reconfirmed in their feudal rights over their lands, and the same Squarcina also became lord of the lands of Castellazzo de' Stampi in Corbetta in 1275 and remained in office until his death in Invorio in 1277.