In the western sector, the counteroffensive was entrusted to a varied group. The closest position to Jagodny was Hill 208.4, which was to be assaulted by two Bersaglieri battalions led by Col. Salvatores. To the left of the Bersaglieri stood the so-called Von Alberti Regiment - two battalions of the 62nd German Infantry Division sent to support the Italians and take Hill 197.1. Farther east a battalion of the Pasubio Division was to move forward and guard the flank of the German assault.

The Salvatores column successfully dislodged the Soviets from Hill 208.4 (Board 4). Control of this hill was of vital importance for the defense of the Jagodny strongpoint; furthermore, not taking it would have left the other Bersaglieri column completely isolated. The 80th Regiment battalion tried to take its assigned objective, but it was the most exposed attacking force and was eventually forced to withdraw. The German regiment conquered Hill 197 (Board 5), but this was only temporary achievement; two days later the much-reduced unit was forced to move back to its starting position, the village of Ver Formisky (board 3).