Italian 1990 World Cup star Salvatore Schillaci dies at age 59 | Soccer

International Courant

Together with his six targets on the 1990 World Cup on residence soil, Schillaci turned a nationwide hero as he helped Italy attain the semi-finals.

Former Italy and Juventus striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star participant on the 1990 World Cup in his residence nation, has died on the age of 59, his former golf equipment Internazionale and Juventus mentioned.

Schillaci led Italy to 3rd place in 1990 and gained the Golden Boot for his six targets throughout the event, together with within the semi-final towards Argentina and within the third-place match towards England.

“A soccer icon leaves us, a person who conquered the hearts of Italians and sports activities followers all around the world,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X on Wednesday.

“Salvatore Schillaci, identified to everybody as Toto, the striker of the magical nights of Italy ’90 with our nationwide group. Thanks for the feelings you gave us, for making us dream, have a good time, embrace and wave our nationwide flag. Bon voyage, champion.”

Italian media reported that Schillaci died on the Civico hospital in Palermo from colon most cancers.

The Sicilian’s extensive eyes as he celebrated his objective turned some of the unforgettable photographs of that World Cup.

Italy have been knocked out within the spherical of 16 by Argentina on penalties, whereas Napoli legend Maradona eradicated the host nation in entrance of his personal followers in Naples.

Schillaci was awarded the Ballon d’Or as participant of the event and was later named runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d’Or award for males’s participant of the 12 months, behind West German captain Lothar Matthaus, who gained the World Cup.

He began as an alternative in Italy’s opening match on the World Cup, however got here on as an alternative and scored the successful objective within the 1–0 victory over Austria.

After the thrilling years of the Nineties, Schillaci scored just one extra objective for Italy and didn’t play for the Italian nationwide group at main tournaments after that.

Schillaci, a small, energetic striker nicknamed “Toto”, was a late bloomer, taking part in the primary years of his profession within the decrease divisions for Sicilian membership Messina.

In 1988–89 he was prime scorer in Serie B, Italy’s second division, which earned him a transfer to Serie A giants Juventus.

“We fell in love with Toto right away. Together with his need, his story, his ardour,” Juventus mentioned in an announcement.

“We at Juve have been fortunate that we have been already enthusiastic about him, in that unbelievable summer time of 1990, when all of Italy was.”

With Schillaci, Juventus gained the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup in 1989–90, earlier than successful the latter trophy once more 4 years later with Internazionale.

Serie A president Lorenzo Casini paid tribute to Schillaci.

“He was a champion who lit up the ‘magical nights’ of Italia 90,” he mentioned.

“His need to achieve the highest of soccer is and can proceed to be a supply of inspiration for therefore many younger folks pursuing their dream of taking part in in Serie A.”

He subsequently turned the primary Italian participant to play within the Japanese J League, successful the league title along with his membership Jubilo Iwata in 1997.

In 1999 he retired from soccer.

Italian 1990 World Cup star Salvatore Schillaci dies at age 59 | Soccer

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