Mussolini’s great-grandson Romano set for Serie A debut, unperturbed by family history

The great-grandson of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini will play in Italy’s top flight, Serie A, next season after completing a transfer move. Romano Mussolini joined newly promoted club Cremonese earlier this month on loan from Lazio, with an option to buy. The 22-year-old defender is yet to make an appearance for Lazio.

The full-back previously had loan spells at Pescara and Juve Stabia in Serie C and Serie B, respectively. The move to Cremonese will give him a chance to attract global attention with his play.

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Romano unconcerned about family history

Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini prefers to go by the surname Mussolini and has stated he has no interest in politics.

When Romano Mussolini scored his first professional goal last December, some fans responded with the Roman salute, a gesture associated with his great-grandfather, Benito Mussolini. This reaction highlights the complex baggage he will have to carry with the Mussolini surname.

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Addressing the same, Floriani emphasised that he is more focused on what he can deliver on the field and is not bothered by the outside noise related to his surname and family ties.

“I’m here to play football. My surname? It has bothered others more than it’s ever bothered me. It’s a heavy name for others, but not for me,” Floriani Mussolini told a press conference on Wednesday.

“The less it’s talked about, the better. I’m here to express myself on the pitch, nothing else… I want to gain valuable experience in Serie A, go up against more experienced players, and play as much as possible to showcase my abilities."

Romano Mussolini, a versatile player who can also play as a winger, made 37 appearances for Juve Stabia last season. He joined Lazio’s youth academy at 13, leaving AS Roma, their city rivals.

“The match against Lazio will be special, it’s the team I grew up with and support,” he added. “But right now I’m focused on giving my all for Cremonese, and I want to win that one."

Cremonese begin their Serie A 2025/26 campaign away to AC Milan on August 23.