Former Italian forward Totò Schillaci, famed for leading Italy to a third-place finish in the 1990 World Cup, sadly passed away at 59. Having previously represented renowned clubs such as Juventus and Inter, Schillaci had recently been admitted to a Palermo hospital, proceeding a diagnosis of colon cancer in 2022. He underwent treatments in attempts to regulate his heart rate.
The 1990 World Cup held in Italy saw Schillaci topping the goal charts with six successful strikes. Momentous match-winning goals against Austria, the Republic of Ireland and England during the group stage, quarterfinals, and third-place decider can be attributed to him. He also memorably led Italy into the lead against Argentina in a semifinal decided on penalties.
In their tribute, Inter expressed their condolences, stating, “During the Magic Nights of Italia ’90, he led the entire nation into a dream. FC Internazionale Milan extends its condolences to the Schillaci family on the demise of Totò.”
Commencing his football journey at Messina and concluding it in Japan with Júbilo Iwata, Schillaci’s international record was marked by a lone goal outside of the World Cup, culminating in 16 appearances for Italy.