In a twist that merges football with a bit of Europe’s heavy history, Benito Mussolini’s great-grandson is officially joining Italy’s top football league.
Romano Mussolini, just 22 years old, is stepping into the spotlight — but not for politics.
Instead, he’s getting his big break in Serie A, after signing with newly promoted Cremonese.
The young defender is joining Cremonese on loan from Lazio, with an option for the club to buy him outright.
While he’s yet to make his senior debut for Lazio, this move gives him a real shot at playing in Italy’s most competitive football tier.
Romano Mussolini’s Rise Through the Ranks
Romano’s football journey has been a steady climb.
He spent his early years in Roma’s youth academy, before making the switch to Lazio in 2016.
Since then, he’s had loan spells with Pescara and Juve Stabia, gaining match experience in Serie C and Serie B.
His position? He’s a versatile defender, primarily playing at right back or right wing back.
While Lazio never gave him minutes in a senior match, Cremonese might just offer him the chance to prove himself on Italy’s biggest footballing stage.
A Surname That Carries a Lot of History
Romano’s full name is Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini, and despite his loaded lineage, he has chosen to go by Mussolini rather than Floriani.
He’s made it clear publicly that he wants nothing to do with politics, focusing instead on football.
But his family name has undeniably stirred public reactions.
Last December, after scoring his first professional goal while playing for Juve Stabia, some fans responded by performing the Roman salute — a gesture widely associated with fascism and his great-grandfather, Benito Mussolini.
Although Romano tried to silence the crowd with a finger-to-the-lips gesture, the chants and salutes persisted.
The Mussolini Legacy: Football, Politics, and Showbiz
Romano comes from a rather unique family mix.
His mother, Alessandra Mussolini, is a politician and former European Parliament member.
His father, Mauro Floriani, is a businessman.
His grandfather, also named Romano Mussolini, was a jazz pianist.
And as a quirky side note, legendary actress Sophia Loren is his great-aunt.
So while his surname echoes a controversial political past, his family tree branches out into both the arts and politics — and now, football.
From Lazio’s Bench to Cremonese’s Big Plans
Romano has been included on Lazio’s bench for various competitions over the years, but never got the call to step on the pitch.
With Cremonese returning to Serie A, they’re hoping to do better than their 2022–23 season, when they finished 19th and were relegated.
While Watford and Udinese were reportedly keeping an eye on Romano’s development, Cremonese moved quickest — and now it’s up to him to deliver.
This next season could be make-or-break for the young Mussolini.
But one thing’s for sure: he’s not trying to stir up the past — just make a name for himself on the football pitch.