Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi [ Images ] denied suggestions that Paolo Di Canio was a fascist, saying the Lazio striker was simply an exhibitionist.

Di Canio was banned for one game on Monday and fined 10,000 euros ($12,000) for making a raised-arm, fascist-style salute in a Serie A match at the weekend.

His gesture has been widely condemned by politicians, players, fans and Jewish groups, but Berlusconi leapt to his defence on Tuesday saying the 37-year-old player was simply misunderstood.

"Di Canio is an exhibitionist. His salute didn't have any significance," Berlusconi told a group of foreign reporters.

"He's a good lad," added the prime minister, who owns Serie A team AC Milan [ Images ].

Sepp Blatter [ Images ], president of soccer's governing body FIFA [ Images ], said players making fascist salutes should be banned from the game for life.

Di Canio himself has defended his gesture, which he has made at least three Serie A matches this year, saying it was not intended as a political statement and that he would continue to acknowledge his fans in whatever way he chooses.

Lazio fans are known for their hard-right sympathies.