The breakout hero of Italy’s home World Cup in 1990, SALVATORE “TOTO” SCHILLACI, passed away at the age of 59.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed the former forward’s death this morning. The forward was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and played for Messina, Juventus, and Inter Milan.
Despite entering the tournament with just one cap, Schillaci’s domestic form with Juventus in the 1989–1990 season secured him a spot in Italy’s squad for the 1990 finals.
Nevertheless, with six goals, he emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, helping the hosts advance to the semi-final before falling to Argentina on penalties.
The attacker, who was born in Sicily, started his professional career with the island team Messina before joining Juventus in the summer of 1989.
Schillaci entered the 1990 finals as a replacement, but he scored a late winner in Italy’s match against Austria to open the tournament, and he scored again in the group stage victory over Czechoslovakia.
He scored in Italy’s victories over England in the third-place play-off and in all of their knockout stage matches.
Only once more, in a 1991 European Championship qualifying match against Norway, did Schillaci score a goal for Italy.
In 1992, he relocated to Inter and stayed there for two years until joining Jubilo Iwata, a Japanese team. However, his greatest memory will always be from his valiant performance at Italia 90.
“His face was a symbol of shared joy [and] will forever remain a common heritage of Italian football,” stated FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
Toto was an amazing football player who embodied determination and redemption. His intense style of play allowed him to excite the Azzurri supporters. And it was precisely this unwavering spirit that won him everyone’s admiration and ensure his eternal life.
Last Friday, Schillaci’s family made the hospital admission public.
The family announced on social media today that anybody who wanted to say their final goodbyes to Schillaci might do so in the Renza Barbera stadium in Palermo, his hometown, till Thursday. The local officials will be releasing the exact dates for this event.
The statement concluded: “Ciao Toto you will forever be in our hearts.
Read more at;https://sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply