Inter Milan has announced on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 that the former Juventus and Italy striker, Salvatore Schillaci, who was the star of the 1990 World Cup on home soil, has passed at the age 59.
The late Schillaci reportedly led Italy to their third-place finish in 1990, winning the Golden Boot for his six goals during the tournament, including in the semi-final against Argentina and in their third-place victory over England.
The 59-year-old was also awarded the Golden Ball as player of the tournament, and was later named as the runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d'Or men's player of the year award, behind World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus of West Germany.
Furthermore, Schillaci also started Italy's opening World Cup game as a substitute, coming off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over Austria.
According to reports, Schillaci scored the only goal for Italy and did not appear for them at any other major tournament.
Schillaci, with the nickname "Toto", had been a late developer, spending the early years of his career playing in the lower leagues for Sicilian club Messina.
Being the top scorer in Serie B, in the Italian second division, in 1988-89, earning him a move to Serie A giants Juventus.
Serie A President Lorenzo Casini who paid tribute to Schillaci said: "He was a champion who lit up the "magic nights of Italia 90.”
"His desire to reach the top levels in soccer has been and will remain a source of inspiration for so many youngsters pursuing their dream of playing in Serie A."
Schillaci also aided Juventus in claiming the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia in 1989-90 before winning the latter trophy again four years later with Inter Milan.
Later on, he became the first Italian player to play in Japan's J.League, and won the league title with his club Jubilo Iwata in 1997.
Late Schillaci retired from football in 1999. Following his retirement, he returned to his native Palermo where he began a youth football academy.
However, Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago, and faced a major setback in his fight against the disease this month when he was hospitalized with an atrial arrhythmia.
Meanwhile, Juventus, released a club statement stating: “Salvatore Schillaci left us today; too soon, too soon, at 59 years.”
The club also took to their official account on X (formerly twitter) to post "Ciao Totò".
Furthermore, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “A football icon leaves us, a man who entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world.”
“Salvatore Schillaci, known to all as Totò, the bomber of the magical nights of Italia '90 with our National team,” he added.
“Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore. Have a good trip, champion.”
The Mayor of Palermo in an interview stated: “With the premature passing of Totò Schillaci, the city mourns the loss of the most representative Palermo footballer in history at a global level.”
“A popularity that however, has never changed Schillaci, who has always maintained a kind, humble and helpful soul.”
Furthermore, Serie A announced that a minute of silence would be observed ahead of every match this weekend in honor of the late Schillaci.
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