Fascist dictator’s relative makes debut for club in same stadium his great-grandfather opened 99 years ago

Lazio handed a debut to the great-grandson of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini on Sunday.

Defender Romano Floriani Mussolini came off the bench in their Serie A opener against Bologna.

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The 23-year-old replaced the injured Adam Marusic at right-back after just 19 minutes at the Stadio Renato Dell’Ara.

Despite being booked for unsporting behaviour just three minutes later, he completed the match as Lazio won 1-0 away from home.

It marked his first appearance for the club, who he joined aged 13 back in 2016.

Floriani’s family connections to Italy’s fascist past has at times threatened to overshadow his football career, though.

Mussolini’s great-grandson makes debut

According to reports in Italy, Lazio fans chanted ‘Duce’ during his debut in reference to Benito Mussolini’s role as the country’s fascist dictator.

The club previously distanced themselves from a section of the fanbase in 2019 after a banner was unveiled honouring him.

Mussolini founded fascism in Italy before becoming Prime Minister in 1922.

He would remain the country’s leader until he was overthrown in 1943 having allied with Nazi Germany in World War II.

Although he maintained his position as ‘Duce of Fascism’, he was ultimately executed by the Italian resistance in 1945.

A direct connection could be made between Mussolini and the venue for his great-grandson’s Lazio debut.

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The match on Sunday was played at Bologna’s Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, their home since 1927.

Mussolini was involved in both the construction and the opening of the venue 99 years ago.

He arrived on horseback to lay the first done whilst the ground was being built.

Meanwhile, a statue of him riding a horse was erected underneath the stadium’s iconic arch.

The likeness was destroyed in 1943 after the city of Bologna was liberated from fascist rule.

Who is Romano Floriani Mussolini?

Over 80 years on from Mussolini’s death, his great-grandson is now forging a career in football.

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The full-back joined Lazio’s academy after beginning his youth career at city rival’s Roma.

He has since had loan spells at Pescara, Juve Stabia and Cremonese, with his Lazio debut marking his 99th senior club appearance.

Floriani was a teammate of Jamie Vardy’s at Cremonese last season, but was unable to help the club avoid relegation from Serie A.

His time at Juve Stabia was not without controversy, though, after it was alleged he celebrated a goal with a fascist salute.

The incident occurred after Floriani scored the winner in a victory over Cesena in December 2024.

Juve Stabia strongly denied the allegations in the Italian press at the time.