Romano Floriani Mussolini, the 18-year-old great-grandson of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, has officially joined Serie A club Lazio's under-19 squad. The right-back, who also carries the middle name Benito, has already been called up twice for the youth team, according to Italian media reports.
The move is likely to spark controversy given Lazio's long-standing association with far-right fan groups. The club's ultra fans, particularly those in the 'curva nord' section of Rome's Olympic Stadium, have a history of fascist salutes, racist chants, and anti-semitic behaviour. In 2017, Lazio fans were condemned for placing stickers of Anne Frank in a Roma jersey around the city.
Mussolini's mother, former MEP Alessandra Mussolini, declined to comment, telling Adnkronos: “It's something I prefer to stay out of. My son wants no sort of meddling in his private life or choices.” The teenager himself has stated he is not interested in politics.
Mauro Bianchessi, manager of Lazio's youth team, defended the signing on sporting merit. “He's a humble boy who's never complained, not even when he didn't play for two years,” he told Repubblica. “The burdensome surname? I've never spoken to his parents, and the only thing that matters is whether a player deserves to play. Nothing else.”
The 18-year-old is completing his final year at the St George British School in Rome. Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano noted the significance: “For S.S. Lazio, the name Mussolini is a heavy burden to bear.”
