Battle of San Martino Setup

Mollard defends San Martino

The battle lines are drawn for the 1859 Battle of San Martino.  In the early morning hours, elements of the Austrian VIII Corps have been driven out of San Martino by a Sardinian recon column under direct command of LTG Mollard.  A second Sardinian recon column is probing to the west towards Madonna del Scoperta in an attempt to flank the Austrian VIII Corps from the bulk of the Austrian Army engaged to the south at Solferino.    

Austrians advance from Pozzolengo

In command of the Austrian VIII Corp, FML Benedek is tasked with two objectives.  The first task is focused on safeguarding the right flank of the Austrian Army and keeping an avenue of retreat open back across the Mincio River.  If defeated at Solferino, the Austrians will need to hold the strategic town of Pozzolengo until the army can cross the Mincio.  If Pozzolengo falls too early, the Austrian Army may be trapped.  Benedek's second task is to tie up as many Sardinians troops as possible to prevent the Sardinian Army from reinforcing the French at Solferino.

Battlefield with initial deployments
viewed from the east

For their part, the Sardinian Army under the command of King Vittorio Emmanuel II is to destroy the Austrian VIII Corps to its front, take Pozzolengo and cut off the Austrian Army's line of communication across the Mincio.  The Sardinians expect to eventually see three divisions on the field against two Austrian divisions plus elements detached from nearby formations.

Battlefield viewed from the south

Which combatant is better situated to achieve its objective?  The stage is set, what will tomorrow hold?