Italian plans for the 21st contemplated a counteroffensive that would give them back control over the right bank of the river Don. In the right sector of Sforzesca Division's 53rd Regiment, 3rd Battalion went on the offensive, supported by corps reserves including the 15th Battaglione Guastatori and an independent grenadier company. Or that was the plan...

Quite soon the Italians realized they could not achieve their objective, due to increasing resistance from the Soviets. Initially, the 53rd Regiment and its supporting units tried to dig in and hold out among some hills, but was soon forced to fall back. In this sector, unlike its "brother" 54th Regiment, the unit managed a somewhat orderly withdrawal rather than a complete rout. But losses were very high, and the Soviets exploited the situation to make a dangerous advance. The Italians retreated toward the village of Jagodny, which became the main strongpoint in the left sector.