Schillaci’s six objectives in a house World Cup in 1990 turned him right into a nationwide hero as he helped Italy attain the semifinals.
Former Italy and Juventus striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star of the 1990 FIFA World Cup on his dwelling soil, has died on the age of 59, his former golf equipment Inter Milan and Juventus stated.
Schillaci led Italy to their third-place end in 1990, successful the Golden Boot for his six objectives in the course of the match, together with within the semifinal in opposition to Argentina and of their third-place victory over England.
“A soccer icon is leaving us, a person who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports activities followers world wide,” Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X on Wednesday.
“Salvatore Schillaci, recognized by everybody as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia ’90 with our nationwide staff. Thanks for the feelings you gave us, for having made us dream, have fun, embrace, and wave our nationwide flag. Bon voyage, champion.”
Italian media reported that Schillaci died at Palermo’s “Civico” hospital after affected by bowel most cancers.
The Sicilian’s large eyes as he celebrated his objectives turned one of many enduring pictures of that World Cup.
Italy have been knocked out on penalties by Argentina within the final 4, as Napoli legend Maradona helped dump out the host nation in entrance of his personal followers in Naples.
Schillaci was awarded the Golden Ball as participant of the match and was later named because the runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d’Or males’s participant of the 12 months award, behind World Cup successful captain Lothar Matthaus of West Germany.
He had began Italy’s opening World Cup recreation instead however got here off the bench to attain the winner in a 1-0 victory over Austria.
After the joy of 1990, Schillaci scored just one extra objective for Italy and didn’t seem for them at every other main tournaments.
A small, bustling striker, Schillaci, nicknamed “Toto”, had been a late developer, spending the early years of his profession enjoying within the decrease leagues for Sicilian membership Messina.
He was the highest scorer in Serie B, the Italian second division, in 1988-89, incomes him a transfer to Serie A giants Juventus.
“We instantly fell in love with Toto. Along with his want, his story, his ardour,” Juventus stated in an announcement.
“We at Juve have been fortunate sufficient to get enthusiastic about him earlier than, in that unbelievable summer season of 1990, the entire of Italy did.”
Ciao Totò pic.twitter.com/Wh5IMkIGLt
— JuventusFC 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@juventusfcen) September 18, 2024
Schillaci helped Juventus to assert the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in 1989-90 earlier than successful the latter trophy once more 4 years later with Inter Milan.
Serie A President Lorenzo Casini paid tribute to Schillaci.
“He was a champion who lit up the “magic nights” of Italia 90,” he stated.
“His want to succeed in the highest ranges in soccer has been and can stay a supply of inspiration for thus many kids pursuing their dream of enjoying in Serie A.”
He then turned the primary Italian participant to play in Japan’s J League and received the league title together with his membership Jubilo Iwata in 1997.
He retired from soccer in 1999.