Romano Floriani Mussolini played his first minutes in an official match with Lazio during the victory in Bologna (1-0), with a particularly noticeable change on his jersey. The great-grandson of Benito Mussolini, aged 23, chose to wear “Romano” on his back and no longer “Mussolini”, as during his time at Juve Stabia. Entered in the 19th minute to replace the injured Adam Marusic, the right-back participated in the action of the only goal by making the touch at the origin of Davide Frattesi’s achievement (59th). His entrance was also accompanied by chants from some Lazio ultras referring to his great-grandfather, while the player has for several years sought to be judged above all for his performances on the pitch.
Trained at Lazio after a stint with AS Roma then several loans, Romano Floriani Mussolini has not publicly explained his choice to remove “Mussolini” from his squad. He had however used “F. Mussolini” at Juve Stabia, but has long claimed not to want to be associated sportingly with his family history. “ Since I started playing football, all I thought about was playing. It was mostly a problem for others, not me. I’m here to play, to express myself on the pitch, not for anything else “, he explained. His successful debut could now allow him to gain playing time under Gennaro Gattuso. “ I like him, he has a big engine and a lot of room for improvement », Estimated the Lazio coach, who could call on him again this Sunday against Genoa.
