Antonio was the illegitimate son of Cansignorio della Scala. At the latter's death, he was associated in the lordship with his brother Bartolomeo. In 1378 he married Samaritana da Polenta, daughter of Guido III da Polenta, lord of Ravenna. He reigned alone after 1381, until 1387, when he was despoed by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan.
Antonio lived in exile in Ravenna until his death.
