The great-grandson of Italy’s former dictator Benito Mussolini, Romano Floriani Mussolini made headlines after scoring his first professional goal.
The goal came for Juve Stabia in a 1-0 victory against Cesena on Sunday, 22 December 2024.
The achievement, however, sparked controversy as fans marked the moment with fascist salutes and chants, drawing widespread condemnation.
Supporters at the stadium were seen performing the “Roman salute,” a gesture historically associated with fascist ideology, while chanting Mussolini’s name.
The celebratory gestures have pushed Italian authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
In response to the uproar, Floriani Mussolini gestured for silence by placing his finger on his lips after scoring the decisive goal.
Addressing the controversy, the young footballer emphasized that his sole focus remains on his career, distancing himself from the prejudices tied to his surname.
“I just want to play football and avoid being judged for something beyond my control,” Floriani Mussolini stated.
