This situation was reversed when Walter returned to the Italian Peninsula, and in 1332 John felt strong enough to invade and annex Thessaly, which had fallen into anarchy after the death of Stephen Gabrielopoulos. John's success provoked the immediate reaction of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos, who asserted his control over at least the eastern portion of the region.
The situation was reversed when Walter returned to the Italian Peninsula, and in 1332 John took advantage of the opportunity to conquer and annex Thessaly, which had descended into disorder following the death of Stephen Gabrielopoulos. John's victory prompted a swift reaction from Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos, who sought to reassert his authority over at least the eastern portion of the region.