February 4 – The great-grandson of Italy’s fascist dictator Benito Mussolini has signed for Lazio – a section of whose supporters are notorious for salutes and racist chants at matches.
Romano Floriani Mussolini is playing for the Rome club’s youth team as a defender while completing his education at an English language private school.
Romano’s mother, Alessandra, a former right-wing European parliamentarian who has expressed pride in her grandfather, declined to comment on the significance of a family member at some stage possibly playing in Italy’s top flight.
But, she said, her son is not remotely interested in politics. “I have nothing to comment on,” she told the Adnkronos press agency. “It’s something I prefer to stay out of. My son wants no sort of meddling in his private life or choices.”
Academy coach Mauro Bianchessi said he had worked hard with Mussolini for two years. “Now the fruits of that hard work are paying off,” he said.
“He’s a humble boy who’s never complained, not even when he didn’t play for two years. 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.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1727666611labto1727666611ofdlr1727666611owedi1727666611sni@w1727666611ahsra1727666611w.wer1727666611dna1727666611