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How did Otto II try to expand imperial power in southern Italy?

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Map of Europe about 800 CE showing the extent of the Frankish kingdom under Charlemagne in light purple, covering much of present-day France, Germany, northern Italy, and neighboring regions. Areas inhabited by Slavic peoples who were tributary to Charlemagne are shaded in a darker purple to the east of the Frankish kingdom, including groups such as the Bohemians, Moravians, and Croats. Major cities, rivers, and neighboring kingdoms are labeled for context.
Holy Roman Empire

Following the policies established by his father, Otto I, Otto II sought to extend the influence of his house and solidify imperial authority in southern Italy.12

After securing his German dominions against various revolts and external threats, Otto II marched into Italy in 980. At that time, German rule in the region was supported by an imperial party led by the marquis of Tuscany. Otto IIā€™s efforts to expand his power in the south culminated in a military invasion of the region. However, his campaign met with a significant setback when he was decisively defeated by a Muslim army in Calabria in 982.2

Otto IIā€™s focus on Italy was a continuation of the pragmatic, Carolingian-inspired vision of Europe pursued by his predecessors, rather than a mere quest for the glories of ancient Rome. Despite the military failure in the south, he maintained the essential successes of his fatherā€™s reign and left a firmly established realm to his successor, Otto III.12