Lazio Ultras raise eyebrows by honouring Mussolini

The lead up to Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final between AC Milan and Lazio has been marred by Biancocelesti supporters unveiling a banner in ‘honour’ of Benito Mussolini.

After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, the two sides will do battle at the San Siro with a place in this year’s final on the line.

Unfortunately the lead up to the match has garnered attention for all the wrong reasons as a group of 50 Lazio Ultras from the Irriducibili were seen honouring the former Fascist leader.

“Honour to Benito Mussolini,” read a banner that was displayed while supporters made Fascist salutes and chanted insults at Milan.

The incident took place close to Piazza Loreto in Corso Buenos Aires which is in the heart of Milan.

It’s believed the supporters displayed the banner in a busy part of the city in order to garner attention, knowing full well that it would not be allowed into the San Siro.

The incident is all the more troubling as it comes on the eve of Italy’s Festa della liberazione – Liberation Day – on April 25 which commemorates the end of the fascist regime and Nazi occupation in the country during World War II and the victory of the Resistance.