Former Italian striker who gained fame during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, Salvatore Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59, as confirmed by his former clubs, Inter Milan and Juventus, on Wednesday.
Schillaci played a pivotal role in leading Italy to a third-place finish in the tournament, where he earned the Golden Boot by scoring six goals, including key strikes in the semi-final against Argentina and the third-place match against England.
Born in Palermo, Sicily, Schillaci had been hospitalized in his hometown and was reported to be suffering from colon cancer, according to Italian media sources.
“A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known by everyone as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia ’90 with our national team. “Thanks for the emotions you gave us, for having made us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion.”
On the international stage, Schillaci emerged as an unexpected standout during the 1990 FIFA World Cup, contributing to Italy’s third-place finish on their home turf.
Initially coming off the bench in Italy’s opening match, Schillaci went on to net six goals during the tournament, earning the Golden Boot for being the top scorer.
He was also awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, surpassing Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona, who finished in second and third place, respectively.
Additionally, he secured the runner-up position in the 1990 Ballon d’Or, trailing Matthäus.
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