Playing on the right flank: Italian dictator Mussolini’s great-grandson signs for Lazio as budding star makes name for himself

The great-grandson of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini has signed for the youth ranks of Rome giants Lazio after impressing as a right-back.

Romano Floriani Mussolini, 18, has officially joined the Italian club’s under-19 team after putting in several promising performances in his position on the flank.

Despite his family background, Romano has been described as “humble” by Lazio youth team manager Mauro Bianchessi.  

“He’s a humble boy who’s never complained, not even when he didn’t play for two years," the coach said. 

“I like him. He’s not a seasoned player yet, but he looks promising. 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.”

Lazio are among Italy's biggest clubs. © AFP

Romano is finishing his final year at the St George British School in Rome, and beyond that will see whether his budding football career can lead him to the Lazio first team and appearances in Serie A, one of the sport’s grandest stages.

However, according to national newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano, Romano – who counts ‘Benito’ as among his second names – could find his surname a burden.

“For S.S. Lazio, the name Mussolini is a heavy burden to bear,” the paper wrote, adding that “it’s just a matter of time before someone starts exalting the Duce.”

Italian dictator Mussolini. © AFP

Romano is the son of former European MP Alessandra Mussolini and is making his way in a club which has been strongly associated with a far-right fanbase down the years.

“I have nothing to comment on,” the mother of the 6ft 1in footballer is reported as telling the local media.

“It’s something I prefer to stay out of. My son wants no sort of meddling in his private life or choices.”

Alessandra Mussolini. © Reuters

Lazio’s infamous ‘Irriducibili’ hardcore fan group disbanded in 2020 after 33 years, with a statement citing “too much blood, too many banning orders, too many arrests.”

“There is a time for everything, so the curtain closes sooner or later even on those fantastic, glorious stories,” the group added. 

Incidents involving Lazio fans include a 2017 episode when stickers featuring Anne Frank in the jersey of bitter rivals AS Roma were put up in the city along with anti-Semitic slogans.

In 2019, the club issued ban and letters demanding a total of €50,000 in damages be paid by fans found to have made fascist salutes which earned the club a partial stadium ban in the Europa League.