The great-grandson of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini will play in Serie A next season after completing a transfer move.
Romano Mussolini, 22, has signed for newly promoted club Cremonese on loan from Lazio, where he has not yet made an appearance, with an option to buy.
The full back has previously had loans at Pescara and Juve Stabia in Serie C and Serie B but will now get his shot at the big time.
His full name is Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini, though he actually insists on taking the surname Mussolini, not Floriani, and says he has no interest in politics.
Mussolini’s background is certainly the subject of some baggage – when he scored his first professional goal last December, fans responded by performing the Roman salute, which was frequently adopted by his great-grandfather.
He put his finger to his lips while celebrating but fans chanted his name and performed the salute nevertheless.
Benito Mussolini’s great-grandson Romano is set to play in Serie A this coming season
The 22-year-old defender has signed on loan from Lazio for Cremonese, a promoted club
Fans performed a fascist salute after he scored his first professional goal last season
Benito Mussolini, who founded and led the National Fascist Party, was the Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 until 1943
The gesture, which involves extending the right arm straight with the palm facing down, is associated with fascism and was frequently performed by Benito Mussolini.
Benito Mussolini, who founded and led the National Fascist Party, was the Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 until 1943.
As a youth player, Romano Mussolini spent time at Roma’s academy before joining Lazio in 2016.
He was previously named on the bench for Lazio in various competitions but has yet to make his competitive senior debut for the club.
Both Watford and Udinese were reported to be interested in his services, but instead he will serve Cremonese as they look to record a better stab at Serie A than in 2022-23, when they suffered an immediate relegation in 19th place.
The youngster, who plays as a right back or right wing back, is the third child of Mauro Floriani and politician Alesssandra Mussolini.
His grandfather Romano Mussolini was a pianist, while actress Sophia Loren in his great aunt.