A Mafia thug has been caught brutally headbutting a journalist after being quizzed about his alleged far-right links.

Shocking footage shows notorious gym owner Roberto Spada lunging at Italian TV interviewer Daniele Piervincenzi before attacking him with a metal pole.

Piervincenzi, who works for broadcaster Rai, was left with a broken nose after the attack — which was all caught on film.

Spada is a known Mafia heavy who has faced drug and corruption charges in Ostia, a neighborhood in western Rome. His brother is local crime boss Carmine Spada.

Roberto was being interviewed as part of an investigation into the fascist group Casapound, which Roberto was accused of supporting.

Piervincenzi was filmed questioning him outside his gym by cameraman Edoardo Anselmi.

The video shows how Roberto suddenly leaps forward and butts Piervincenzi in the nose before chasing him and the cameraman down the street with a pole.

The attack was condemned as “unacceptable” by Rome’s mayor, Virginia Raggi — as well as Casapound.

Its deputy leader, Simone Di Stefano, said in a statement to Italian news agency Ansa: “Roberto Spada is not a member of Casapound.”

“We share nothing with him, apart from attendance at a kid’s party in a piazza 18 months ago.”

Roberto himself responded to the shocking footage, insisting the crew had intruded and upset his family.

He accused them of “forcing their way into a members-only club, disturbing a session and frightening my son.”

Roberto added: “What would you have done? In the last 10 days, at least 30 journalists have come to break our balls, patience has a limit.”

Interior Minister Marco Minniti said the police have launched an investigation and an anti-Mafia prosecutor has been assigned to the case, according to Ansa sources.

Despite his severe injuries, Piervincenzi said he was prepared to forgive Spada if he apologizes.

He said: “He should apologize to Ostia, where the high crime rate and the clans have spoiled the social fabric of a beautiful place.”