Studied in Torino with C. Segre and G. Fano, then in Paris with E. Cartan and in Roma with F. Severi. Taught in Bologna (since 1931), then because of the racial laws he emigrated to England in 1938. After the war he taught again in Bologna (since 1946) and Roma (since 1950). He was also much involved in the study of combinatorial geometry.

Main students: G. Tallini.

Selected papers reprinted by U.M.I. (2 vol. Ed. Cremonese) in 1987.

Main commemorations and studies: E. Vesentini, Boll. dell'Unione Mat. Ital. , 15-A, 1978, 699-714 and first volume of Selected papers.