Italy’s 1990 FIFA World Cup star Salvatore Schillaci dies aged 59
Al Jazeera
Schillaci’s six goals in a home World Cup in 1990 turned him into a national hero as he helped Italy reach the semifinals.
Former Italy and Juventus striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star of the 1990 FIFA World Cup on his home soil, has died at the age of 59, his former clubs Inter Milan and Juventus said.
Schillaci led Italy to their third-place finish in 1990, winning the Golden Boot for his six goals during the tournament, including in the semifinal against Argentina and in their third-place victory over England.
“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 on Wednesday.
“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.”
Italian media reported that Schillaci died at Palermo’s “Civico” hospital after suffering from bowel cancer.
