Di Canio faces hearing over 'fascist' salute

Lazio striker Paolo di Canio faces a disciplinary hearing over making what appeared to be a fascist salute to fans after scoring against rivals Roma, the Italian Football Federation said.

Photographs of Di Canio giving the long-armed salute favoured by wartime dictators Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler flashed around the world after Lazio's 3-1 win in the Rome derby on January 6.

The player, who has in the past expressed his admiration for Mussolini, said there was no political intent in his gesture.

"I am a professional footballer and my celebrations had nothing to do with political behaviour of any kind," he said.

But the federation has called on Di Canio to explain himself.

"Leaving aside any political interpretation of the gesture, Di Canio's behaviour conflicts with the principles of fair play, propriety and integrity," a statement said.