MILAN, Italy (AFP) — The world of football is in mourning following the death of Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, the former Italy striker renowned for his golden performance at the 1990 World Cup. Schillaci passed away on Wednesday at the age of 59 after a battle with bowel cancer, according to reports from Palermo’s Civico hospital.
Schillaci’s extraordinary impact on Italian football was commemorated by Juventus, one of the prominent clubs he graced. The club paid tribute with a heartfelt social media post, simply stating “Ciao Toto” alongside a photograph of him in a Juventus shirt.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that all domestic matches through the end of the weekend will observe a “minute of reflection” before kick-off in honor of Schillaci’s legacy. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina expressed the sentiment of the football community, noting that Schillaci’s iconic goal celebrations and his contribution to the sport have become an integral part of Italy’s football heritage.
Schillaci’s football career began in the early 1980s at Messina, and he later played for both Juventus and Inter Milan. While his club career saw considerable success, his most memorable achievements came during the 1990 World Cup held in Italy. Schillaci scored six goals during the tournament, propelling Italy to the semi-finals and securing the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. His performances also earned him the prestigious Golden Ball award for the best player of the tournament, surpassing stars like Lothar Matthaus and Diego Maradona.
Juventus reflected on their fond memories of Schillaci, stating, “At Juve, we were fortunate to experience his brilliance before he captivated the entire nation during that remarkable summer of 1990.” The club added, “Goodbye, Toto. Thank you.”
Despite Italy’s elimination from the tournament by Argentina in the semi-finals, Schillaci’s contributions remained a bright spot in a tournament that saw Napoli’s Maradona play a key role in the defeat of the host nation. Schillaci, who earned 16 caps for Italy, went on to have a brief stint with Jubilo Iwata in Japan after leaving Inter Milan in 1994, marking the end of his professional playing career.
Schillaci’s sudden passing is a poignant reminder of his remarkable impact on football, and his memory will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of fans and players alike.
