The great-grandson of the dictator experienced one of the most special moments for any footballer last night, his first goal, but his victory was tainted by the celebration of his fans

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Romano Mussolini scores his first goal and the crowd celebrates with the fascist salute

This past Sunday, Italian football experienced a controversial and controversial scene during the Serie B match between Cesena and Societa Sportiva Juve Stabia. The latter team emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, thanks to a goal by Romano Florianni Mussolini, great-grandson of the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

The problem came when the 21-year-old right-back celebrated the goal. Floriani, the son of Mauro Floriani and former politician Alessandra Mussolini, is a gifted footballer.

After shooting the ball that would lead them to victory and after 18 games without scoring, the player made a gesture with his index finger over his closed mouth, as if asking for silence from the crowd. Silence to a crowd that celebrated Mussolini by cheering his first name and surname over and over again, while performing the typical fascist salute.  

Who is Romano Mussolini?

Three years ago, Romano Floriani Mussolini's name hit the headlines when he signed a contract with Lazio, the club he joined in 2016 after leaving Roma's youth academy. The young player, now 21, carries a surname that does not go unnoticed: he is the great-grandson of Benito Mussolini, the controversial Italian dictator known as ‘Il Duce’.

The son of Mauro Floriani and Alessandra Mussolini, a former member of the European Parliament for the Forza Italia party, Romano took his mother's surname in a peculiar context. When he was born, Italian rules and the provisions of the Catholic Church used to give priority to the paternal surname, but in his case an exception was made that ended up marking his identity.

In 2021, Romano received his first call-up to the Lazio first team, although he did not make his debut. He currently plays on loan at Juve Stabia, continuing his development as a footballer. His career, however, has inevitably been linked to extra-sporting debates. Lazio, a team historically associated with ultra-right-wing movements and ultras such as the Irreducibili, made his name resonate even louder in the media and on social networks.

Despite the speculation and media attention, Romano has been clear about his position: he dissociates himself from any political connection. In several interviews, he has assured that his sole focus is on football and his performance on the pitch, leaving aside any connection to his family's history or the ideologies surrounding the club he belongs to.

Romano Floriani Mussolini continues to forge his path in football, a space where he seeks to stand out for his talent and effort, leaving behind a surname that inevitably generates debate.