Great-grandson of Benito Mussolini Set to Play in Serie A

Romano Mussolini, the great-grandson of Italy’s fascist leader Benito Mussolini, is set to compete in Serie A next season after completing a transfer to Cremonese, a newly promoted club, on loan from Lazio. Despite being part of Lazio’s squad, he has yet to make a senior appearance for the club. His move includes an option for a permanent transfer.

The 22-year-old full back has previously been loaned out to Pescara and Juve Stabia in Serie C and Serie B, gaining experience in Italy’s lower divisions. This season, he will have the opportunity to play at Italy’s top level.

Romano Mussolini, whose full name is Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini, prefers to keep Mussolini as his surname and states he has no political intentions. He emerged in professional football after scoring his first goal last December, an event that drew controversy due to fans performing the Roman salute—a gesture historically associated with fascism and linked to Benito Mussolini himself, who was Italy’s Prime Minister from 1922 to 1943.

The gesture involves extending the right arm straight with the palm facing down. During his celebration, Romano made a finger-to-lips gesture, but fans still performed the salute and chanted his name.

Romano, who has played youth football at Roma and Lazio, is the son of Mauro Floriani and politician Alessandra Mussolini. His grandfather, Romano Mussolini, was a pianist, and his great aunt is famed actress Sophia Loren.