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A Controversial Goal: Mussolini’s Grate-Grandson Scores Amidst Fascist Salutes
The Serie B match between Juve Stabia and Cesena on December 22nd saw a young footballer,Romano Floriani Mussolini,score his first professional goal. While this should have been a moment of festivity,the event was overshadowed by disturbing scenes of fans engaging in what appeared to be fascist salutes.
The 21-year-old, great-grandson of the infamous Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, celebrated his goal in front of the Juve Stabia supporters. A video circulating online shows him silencing the crowd with a finger to his lips before cheering amidst a jubilant stand.What followed was deeply troubling. Chants of “Mussolini” echoed through the stadium, accompanied by raised arms in a gesture strikingly similar to the Roman salute, a symbol closely associated with fascism. This gesture, officially classified as an offense advocating fascism by the Italian Supreme Court of Cassation since January 2024, sparked immediate controversy.
Adding to the complexity, Juve Stabia supporters are historically known for their left-wing affiliations, making the incident even more perplexing.Romano Floriani Mussolini carries the names of both his parents: his father, a former Finance Guard officer, and his mother, Alessandra Mussolini, a former European MP and granddaughter of Benito Mussolini. Alessandra Mussolini’s political career began with the neofascist Italian Social Movement before she joined Silvio Berlusconi’s right-wing Forza Italia party.
The young footballer’s arrival at juve Stabia on loan from Lazio Rome further complicates the narrative. Lazio’s fanbase is notorious for its far-right connections, with a history of racist and anti-Semitic incidents.
In 2017, Lazio ultras were caught displaying banners referencing Auschwitz and Anne Frank, while in 2021, a video surfaced showing a fan giving the fascist salute while supporters chanted “Duce!”
Even former Lazio player Paolo Di Canio, known for his controversial gestures, was seen performing the Roman salute during matches, a move defended by Romano’s mother, Alessandra Mussolini, who stated, “How happy this Roman salute makes me!”
Romano Floriani Mussolini attempts to distance himself from the controversy surrounding his name. While playing for Lazio, he wore only his father’s initial on his jersey. Now, with Juve Stabia, he has chosen to display his mother’s surname and shortened his father’s name.
in a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he stated, “My great-grandfather Benito was a significant figure for Italy, but we are in 2024 and the world has changed.” He claims to be unconcerned by the prejudice associated with his name, asserting that his focus is solely on his football career.
However, the events of December 22nd suggest that escaping the shadow of his infamous ancestor may prove to be a far greater challenge then he anticipates.
The Dark Shadow of Fascism: A Goal Mired in Controversy
The world of football, frequently enough lauded for its ability to unite, found itself grappling with a deeply unsettling incident last weekend in the Serie B match between Juve Stabia and Cesena. While the on-field narrative focused on a thrilling comeback victory for Cesenese punctuated by a controversial goal, the real story took root in the stands, casting a dark shadow over the gorgeous game.
Carlo mazzone, the great-grandson of former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, scored the decisive goal for Cesena.A triumphant moment for any player, Mazzone’s festivity was marred by a chilling display from a section of the Cesena fanbase.
Reports and footage circulating online depict a group of Cesena supporters allegedly performing fascist salutes as Mazzone wheeled away in celebration. Such gestures, deeply rooted in the darkest chapters of Italian history, are offensive and undeniably troubling. This isn’t simply a matter of ”passionate fans” reacting to a goal; it represents a perilous flirtation with ideologies that stand in diametric opposition to the values of inclusivity and respect that sports, at its best, truly embodies.
The incident forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the persistence of extremist ideologies within societal spheres, including sport. While Mazzone himself has denounced fascism and any association with its abhorrent tenets, the actions of these supporters hijack the narrative, casting a stain on both the player’s achievement and the integrity of the sport.
This event demands a swift and decisive response. Football authorities must unequivocally condemn these actions and take firm disciplinary measures against those responsible. Silence, or worse, mere lip service, is not an option. The sanctity of the sporting arena must be protected from the insidious encroachment of hate and intolerance.
Furthermore, this incident underscores the importance of continuous education and dialog to fight against all forms of discrimination and extremism, both within and beyond the world of sports. We must actively engage in conversations that promote understanding, empathy, and respect for diversity. Only then can we hope to prevent the festering wounds of the past from poisoning the future of the beautiful game.
