Mussolini returns to Rome to stake a claim on Lazio right-wing

In football, popular surnames put a spotlight on young players, such as Maldini, Kluivert, or Thuram. But nothing turns heads like an infamous surname, such as the one a 22-year-old Italian has — Mussolini.

Young defender Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini is the great-grandson of Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. His mother, Alessandra, is a former member of the Italian parliament.

The young Mussolini, who wears 'Floriani M' on the back of his shirt, is not one on the radar of the Azzurri, but each time he makes a move in club football, he makes headlines.

In the latest development, Mussolini has been recalled by Serie A side Lazio from a loan spell with Serie B club Juve Stabia. As Lazio is a popular club based in Rome, there is plenty of social media interest in the return of Mussolini to the capital.

The young defender had a productive spell last season in the second division, where he was the second-most featured player for Juve Stabia. He also scored a goal and assisted twice.

Juve Stabia finished fifth in the points table and went as far as the semifinals of the promotion play-offs, where they lost to Cremonese over two legs. Mussolini featured in both games.

Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has yet to reveal his plans for the youngster, who predominantly plays as a right-back but can also play as a right-midfielder.