Italian football legend Toto Schillaci dies aged 59

“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.

Former Italy and Juventus striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star of the 1990 World Cup on his dwelling soil, has died on the age of 59.

Schillaci led Italy to their third-place end in 1990, successful the Golden Boot for his six objectives through the event, together with within the semi-final in opposition to Argentina and of their third-place victory over England.

He scored the one aim of the sport because the hosts overcame the Republic of Eire within the quarter-finals.

“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.

“Salvatore Schillaci, recognized by everybody as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia ’90 with our nationwide group. Thanks for the feelings you gave us, for having made us dream, have fun, embrace, and wave our nationwide flag. Bon voyage, champion.”

The Sicilian’s vast eyes as he celebrated his objectives grew to become one of many enduring photographs of that World Cup.

Schillaci was awarded the Golden Ball as participant of the event 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 sport as an alternative 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 aim for Italy and didn’t seem for them at another main tournaments.

Toto Schillaci reacts to a missed probability through the FIFA World Cup 1990 Quarter-Closing match in opposition to the Republic of Eire on the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. (Picture By Ray McManus/Sportsfile through Getty Pictures)
 

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 mentioned in a press release.

“We at Juve have been fortunate sufficient to get enthusiastic about him earlier than, in that unimaginable summer season of 1990, the entire of Italy did.”

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 mentioned.

“His want to achieve the highest ranges in soccer has been and can stay a supply of inspiration for thus many children pursuing their dream of enjoying in Serie A.”

He then grew to become 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.