During Mussolini's capture by partisans in April 1945 it is said that Petacci was offered the opportunity to escape, but she firmly refused and tried to protect instead Mussolini with her body. The Duce was then shot immediately after her.
Petacci is apparently respectfully considered in Italy; without reference to politics, but only as a woman in love who did not abandon him in times of trouble.
Italians in general consider it polite to avoid any mixing of her personal story with more historical facts which she was in some way involved into.