Almost two decades had passed since Toto Schillaci’s decisive goal at the Stadio Olimpico, a goal that concluded Ireland’s journey at the Italia 90. The Sicilian footballer found himself in Dublin for a bookmaker’s promotional work. Upon revisiting the significant night in the Roman city, Schillaci unapologetically recollected each detail of the goal with extreme precision, as if it was a recent memory. The conversation inevitably led to the anticipation of Schillaci’s infamous on the spot, wide-eyed victory celebration.
Then came the name-dropping, from Roberto Baggio to Roberto Donadoni’s shot, Giuseppe Giannini, and Packie Bonner’s parry, and then being abruptly halted – possibly the closest the Sicilian got to apologise for the heartbreak of the Irish supporters. However, he was compassionate enough to compliment the Irish team he had faced, describing them as “big beasts”; sturdy and physically tough. He reflected how the match had left him with a black eye.
Italy’s run ended in the semi-finals, succumbing to Argentina in a penalty shootout. However, Schillaci’s third-place winning goal against England increased his total score of the tournament to six, landing him with the Golden Boot and the best player of the tournament titles.
The Italians proudly referred to Schillaci’ contribution to their World Cup journey as the “Notti Magiche di Toto Schillaci”, translating to “Toto Schillaci’s magical nights”. The acclaim caught the then Juventus forward by surprise, commenting how he didn’t even anticipate making the team, let alone the squad.
For Schillaci, Italia 90 formed the pinnacle of his career. Although he was only 25, he played his final international match the following year out of his total 16. After his goal scoring form took a hit, a local priest in Palermo held a mass to pray for his form’s revival, but these efforts proved futile. Ultimately, Schillaci concluded his football career in Japan, following a brief stint at Inter Milan.
Following his professional football career, Schillaci enjoined a multifaceted existence. He founded a football academy in Palermo, presided over various media platforms, and gained renown on Italy’s version of “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here”, even dabbling in acting roles, notably portraying a mafia leader for his first gig. Despite Sicilian origins potentially typecasting him, he never shied away from tongue in cheek references.
His Juventus coach, Giovanni Trapattoni infamously quipped, “You’ve killed Falcone”, following the assassination of Sicilian Judge Giovanni Falcone, a well-known figure in the anti-mafia movement. But he playfully rebuffed the insinuation, assuring his coach that he spent the day with his teammate, Baggio, and had not committed any crimes that day.
One of the most distinct facets of his post-football life was his unique bond with Ireland. He expressed immense gratitude for the warmth, love, and appreciation showered on him by the Irish, despite his gently criticising the lack of sun. Even after undergoing a remarkable transformation from a balding head to sporting a full mane of hair, he was recognized and fondly called “Toto Depp”.
It was likely his unmistakable joy while scoring goals that endeared him to people. From this popularity, Smithwicks brewery booked him for a TV commercial, further cementing his legendary status.
On Wednesday, the island of Sicily mourned the loss of its native son, Schillaci, at the tender age of 59. Having received a colon cancer diagnosis earlier in 2022, his demise was felt deeply. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic footballer, famous for playing with the national team during the magical nights of Italia ‘90. He commended the unbridled joy that Schillaci brought through his football, leading the nation to cheer, dream, and celebrate under their national flag.
Toto Schillaci’s life was transformed by the “Notti Magiche.” He described himself as having a golden touch, which gave him global recognition. However, he insisted that, despite the changes in his surroundings after the World Cup, he remained the same person. He naturally gave his best in every game, thus the smiles and enjoyment were inevitable, he played with sheer joy, indeed.