Benito Mussolini's great grandson completes Lazio transfer after impressive season

Lazio have sealed the signing of young defender Romano Floriani Mussolini, who is a descendant of dictator Benito Mussolini. The 22-year-old was a product of the academy of cross-city rivals Roma before switching toLazio in 2016.

He was sent out on back-to-back loans to Serie B sides Pescara and Juve Stabia. The latter secured a buy option last summer and following a standout campaign in which Mussolini made 37 appearances, they chose to activate it.

But he is already on the way back to the Stadio Olimpico after Lazio immediately activated a buyback clause in the deal. A statement from Juve Stabia read: “SS Juve Stabia 1907 announces that it has exercised the option to buy the defender born in 2003, Romano Floriani Mussolini, who joined from SS Lazio in the terms set by federal regulations.

“At the same time, and within the time limit, SS Lazio has exercised their counter-option to buy back the player, as set out in the agreements signed last season.”

Mussolini is the great-grandson of infamous Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. He died in 1945 towards the end of the Second World War.

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Juve Stabia were forced to address reports of Italian fans performing fascist salutes after the defender scored last season. A statement from the side read: "We do not accept exploitation for a golden boy like Romano Floriani Mussolini. The same thing goes for our fans, who have cheered as they have always done in the past with any other athlete.”

Elsewhere, Lazio’s move for Mussolini comes amid apparent chaos behind the scenes. Reports in Italy earlier this week suggested that the Italian giants were set to be banned from signing players due to their struggling finances.

But they broke rank to deny those suggestions. A club statement read: “With regard to the misleading news reported today by some press outlets regarding the Company's financial and economic situation, it is considered necessary to clarify that there is no reason for concern.

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“SS Lazio has its own resources and a consolidated management structure, which for over twenty years has faced every step with clarity, responsibility and rigor. Economic and financial solidity, the sustainability of the sports project and strategic coherence have always represented, and even more so today, the pillars on which the Club's identity is founded.”

Lazio finished seventh in Serie Alast season under former Chelsea bossMaurizio Sarri - the second season in a row they’ve finished in that spot.

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