Rome
An Italian soccer player is facing possible disciplinary action for making a Roman salute after scoring a goal. The flat-handed, stiff-armed gesture, better known to Americans as the Heil, Hitler salute, was a common greeting in Italy during the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini. Encouraging fascism is a crime under Italian law, and authorities are considering whether Paolo Di Canio, striker for the Lazio team, should be punished. My celebrations had nothing to do with political behavior, Di Canio insisted. But many Lazio fans are supporters of the far-right National Alliance, formerly the Fascist Party.
