Former Italian striker Totò Schillaci, who played a pivotal role in securing Italy’s third-place finish in the 1990 World Cup, has died at the age of 59.
Schillaci, who had played for Juventus and Inter Milan, was hospitalized in Palermo last week. The hospital later confirmed that he was receiving treatment to stabilize his heartbeat. He had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022.
Schillaci was the leading scorer of the 1990 World Cup, which Italy hosted, netting six goals. His decisive goals included match-winners against Austria in the group stage, the Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals, and England in the third-place playoff. He also gave Italy the lead in the semi-final against Argentina, though the game ultimately went to penalties.
Inter Milan honored his legacy, saying: “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90. FC Internazionale Milan gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”
Schillaci began his professional career at Messina and concluded it in Japan with Júbilo Iwata. Outside the World Cup, he scored just once for Italy, ending his international career with 16 caps.
Juventus expressed their admiration, saying: “We immediately fell in love with Totò. With his desire, his story, his passion. We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did.”