Realising that his chances of promotion had probably been irrevocably lost, Leopold turned his hopes for a comfortable old age towards Wolfgang, giving new urgency to the third Italian journey which began in October 1772.
I erkendelse af at hans chancer for forfremmelse nu sandsynligvis var uigenkaldeligt tabt på gulvet, baserede Leopold sine forhåbninger om en komfortabel alderdom på Wolfgang, hvilket øgede behovet for den tredje italienske rejse, der begyndte i oktober 1772.