1990 World Cup star Salvatore Schillaci passes away, the whole of Italy mourns

According to Football Italia , Salvatore Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer two years ago. During the last part of his life, he was hospitalized several times due to atrial arrhythmia.

“Palermo Football Club, together with President Dario Mirri and the entire City Football Group family, would like to express our deepest condolences on the sudden passing of Salvatore Schillaci and our condolences to the family of Francesco Di Mariano,” Palermo FC announced on the passing of Salvatore Schillaci.

Salvatore Schillaci was the brightest star of the Italian team at the 1990 World Cup.

Salvatore Schillaci was born into a poor family in Palermo (Italy). He started playing football for an amateur team in his hometown called Amat Palermo. In 1982, Salvatore Schillaci signed a contract with Messina Club and played there until 1989. With his excellent performance, he moved to Juventus and made his debut in Serie A on August 27, 1989. In 1992, Salvatore Schillaci moved to Inter Milan and scored 11 goals in 30 appearances in Serie A. Salvatore Schillaci was also the first Italian player to play in Japan when he played for Jubilo Iwata Club in 1994.

However, what made Salvatore Schillaci most known to fans around the world was his outstanding performance at the 1990 World Cup, along with the nickname “Toto”. From a player who often sat on the bench at his club, Salvatore Schillaci suddenly played brilliantly for the Italian national team, becoming an inspiration for many young people in this country. Salvatore Schillaci scored 6 goals and won the Golden Boot award at the 1990 World Cup. Notably, in the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and third-place match, Salvatore Schillaci scored for the Italian national team.

His individual efforts were also rewarded when he beat legends such as Lothar Matthaus (Germany) and Diego Maradona (Argentina) to win the Golden Ball award as the tournament's best player.

Salvatore Schillaci next to Roberto Baggio (right) at Juventus

The death of Salvatore Schillaci has left the whole of Italy in mourning. His former team Inter Milan sent a tribute: “He was an icon who set the whole Italian nation ablaze with dreams on the magical night of the 1990 World Cup. FC Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family after the passing of Toto.”

Meanwhile, Juventus released a statement: “Salvatore Schillaci left us today: too soon, too soon, at the age of 59. We at Juve were lucky enough to witness him shine in that incredible summer of 1990. The whole of Italy went crazy over his wonderful energetic celebration.”

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “A football icon has left us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world. Thank you for the emotions you have given us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave flags.”

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ngoi-sao-world-cup-1990-salvatore-schillaci-qua-doi-ca-nuoc-y-thuong-tiec-185240918174100757.htm