First Professional Goal by Mussolini's Descendant Triggers Controversy in Italy

Romano Floriani Mussolini's goal in a Serie B match was celebrated with gestures resembling fascist salutes, prompting widespread criticism.

Romano Floriani Mussolini, the great-grandson of Benito Mussolini, scored his first professional goal for Juve Stabia in Italy's Serie B on December 22, 2024.
Fans in the stadium responded by chanting his surname and performing gestures resembling the Roman salute, which is legally considered an act of fascist glorification in Italy.
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with videos of the celebrations drawing attention to the political and historical implications of such gestures.
Mussolini, who has publicly distanced himself from his family's political legacy, stated in previous interviews that he focuses solely on his football career despite the weight of his surname.
The player's family has deep political ties, including his mother Alessandra Mussolini, a former member of a neo-fascist party, and his half-sister, affiliated with the nationalist party Fratelli d’Italia.