Milan, Italy – Romano Floriani Mussolini, the great-grandson of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, has joined Serie A club Cremonese on a loan deal from Lazio, with an option to buy, as of July 14, 2025. The 22-year-old right-back continues his professional football career aiming to be judged solely on his on-field performance, despite the persistent attention drawn by his prominent surname.
Floriani Mussolini, who primarily plays as a right-back, previously spent the 2024-2025 season on loan at Serie B side Juve Stabia. It was during this loan spell that he scored his first professional goal in a 1-0 victory against Cesena in December 2024. The milestone, however, was overshadowed by controversy as sections of the crowd were observed chanting "Mussolini" and performing fascist salutes in celebration, prompting an investigation by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
The player has consistently expressed his desire to distance himself from his family's historical legacy, stating, "I want to show what I can do and prove my value. I’d like people to talk about me only for how I play." His mother, Alessandra Mussolini, a former politician, has also publicly supported his focus on football.
Floriani Mussolini began his youth career at Roma before moving to Lazio at age 13, a club whose fanbase has historically been associated with far-right elements. He signed a professional contract with Lazio in March 2021 and has been on various loan spells to gain first-team experience. His transfer to Cremonese marks his latest step in Italy's top division.
The ongoing public and media scrutiny surrounding his name highlights the complex intersection of sport, history, and politics in Italy. Despite the controversies, Floriani Mussolini continues to forge his path in professional football, seeking to establish his identity through his athletic achievements rather than his ancestry.