Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Mussolini’s Great-Grandson Makes Lazio Debut Amid Fascist Chants
Romano Floriani Mussolini is a 23-year-old football player for Lazio.
He is the great-grandson of Benito Mussolini, a former Italian dictator.
Romano played his first senior match for Lazio against Bologna.
He entered the game after another Lazio player was injured.
Lazio won the match.
Some Lazio fans shouted “duce,” a title used by Benito Mussolini.
Romano has said he wants people to focus less on his family name.
Lazio’s club leaders condemn racism and fascism, but critics say they should do more about extremist behavior among supporters.
Romano Floriani Mussolini made his senior-team debut for Società Sportiva Lazio against Bologna FC.
The 23-year-old defender entered in the 19th minute after Adam Marusic left with a thigh injury.
Lazio won the Serie A match at Bologna’s Renato Dall’Ara stadium, inaugurated by Benito Mussolini in 1927.
Some Lazio supporters chanted “duce” during the match, echoing Benito Mussolini’s fascist-era title.
Romano has said he prefers not to discuss his surname, while critics continue to scrutinize Lazio’s far-right supporter culture.
- Who
- Romano Floriani Mussolini, Società Sportiva Lazio, Bologna FC, and Lazio supporters.
- What
- Romano made his senior-team debut for Lazio in a Serie A victory over Bologna.
- When
- During the match; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy.
- Why
- Romano entered after Adam Marusic left the match with a thigh injury; the debut also drew attention because of Romano’s family history and chants from some Lazio supporters.
Romano’s stated position
Critics’ concerns
Family name and football career
Romano’s stated position
Romano has said his surname has not caused him problems and that he prefers it to be discussed as little as possible.
Critics’ concerns
The family connection continues to attract scrutiny, especially when he plays for a club associated with far-right and neo-fascist elements among some supporters.
Lazio’s response to extremism
Romano’s stated position
Lazio’s management says it condemns racism and fascism and has suspended or taken action against individuals involved in political outbursts.
Critics’ concerns
Critics and anti-discrimination groups argue that the club needs stronger and more permanent measures to remove extremist politics from the stands.
Meaning of the chants
Romano’s stated position
The “duce” chants were made by supporters in the away section during Romano’s debut.
Critics’ concerns
The chants evoked Benito Mussolini’s fascist title and were viewed by critics as part of a wider stadium culture linked to fascist symbols and slogans.
- Player
- Romano Floriani Mussolini, a 23-year-old defender
- Club
- Società Sportiva Lazio
- Debut timing
- The 19th minute
- Match result
- Lazio defeated Bologna FC
- Venue
- Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna
- Stadium history
- Benito Mussolini inaugurated the stadium in 1927
- Supporter chants
- Some Lazio fans chanted “duce,” meaning “leader”