Mussolini's great-grandson scores first Serie A goal for Lazio
Romano Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, scored his first Serie A goal in Lazio's 6-2 win over Sassuolo. The 23-year-old right-back made it 3-1 in the 16th minute and the goal was eventually awarded after a VAR review. The result leaves the Rome club alone at the top of the table.
Byvarela3 min read
Romano Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, opened his Serie A scoring account on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Lazio right-back played his part in a commanding 6-2 away win over Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium, in the ninth round of the Italian top flight. His goal helped Gennaro Gattuso's side move clear at the top of the standings.
- Floriani Mussolini made it 3-1 in the 16th minute from a Kenneth Taylor cross.
- The referee initially ruled the effort out for offside, but VAR awarded the goal after review.
- Lazio's away win over Sassuolo left them alone in first place in Serie A.
- The full-back developed in Roma's academy and joined Lazio in 2016, later spending loan spells at Juve Stabia and Cremonese.
How Floriani Mussolini scored his first Serie A goal
The move started on the flank with a cross from Kenneth Taylor. Floriani Mussolini arrived from right-back and slid in to beat Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati. The official disallowed the finish in real time for an offside position, but the VAR check overturned that call and the goal stood as Lazio's third of the afternoon.
Lazio's 6-2 win puts them top of Serie A
The 6-2 result at Sassuolo strengthens Lazio's start to the campaign. The Rome club now sits alone at the summit ahead of Inter Milan's next match. The attacking display from Gattuso's team was underlined by six goals scored away from home.
Floriani Mussolini's path from Roma to Lazio
After coming through Roma's youth system, Floriani Mussolini crossed the city divide in 2016 to join Lazio's setup. Before establishing himself in the first team, he gained experience on loan at Juve Stabia and Cremonese. That spell away from the capital helped him return with more senior minutes under Gattuso.
The player's connection to the Mussolini family name
Romano Floriani Mussolini has long tried to keep his football career separate from the figure of his great-grandfather, dictator Benito Mussolini. The player has avoided letting the family name define how his performances are judged on the pitch. With this first Serie A goal, the focus returns to his sporting contribution rather than his surname.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Romano Floriani Mussolini?
He is a 23-year-old Italian footballer who plays as a right-back for Lazio. He is the great-grandson of Benito Mussolini, Italy's dictator from 1922 to 1943.
When did he score his first Serie A goal?
He scored it in the ninth round of the season, during Lazio's 6-2 win over Sassuolo. His strike made it 3-1 in the 16th minute from a cross by Kenneth Taylor.
Why did Floriani Mussolini's goal require a VAR review?
The referee initially disallowed the play for a possible offside, but VAR confirmed the player was in a legal position. After the check, the goal was awarded.