Legendary Italian striker Toto Schillaci, top scorer at 1990 World Cup, dies at 59

Italian football is tinged with mourning following the death of Salvatore ‘Totó’ Schillaci. The legendary Italian striker, best known for his performance in World Cup Italy 90, He died at the age of 59 after failing to beat colon cancer, which he had been battling for just over two years.

The former footballer died in Palermo (Sicily)southern Italy) after being admitted in serious condition to a hospital in the same city for several days. In fact, a few days ago his family had to deny his death and assure that he was “stable”, but in the end he could not win the battle.

Schillaci began his football career in Messina, and in 1989 Juventus set their sights on him and acquired his services. The striker played at the highest level Series Aand ended up signing for another big Italian club like Inter Milanwhere he spent two seasons. Finally, he ended his sports career playing Japan.

The Italian then won two UEFA Cups, including one with the Juve and another with him Between-, and he also had the privilege of being the top scorer in the 1990 World Cup which took place precisely in Italy.

On September 9, the former striker was admitted to the pulmonology wing of the Civic Hospital of Palermo and, in the last few hours, his health condition has deteriorated considerably until reaching a fatal outcome.

The former footballer even underwent two operations because of his cancer. However, while the disease seemed to have subsided, it suddenly reappeared about a year ago and significantly deteriorated the Italian’s health.

an italian hero

“Goodbye, Totó. Hero of the magical nights,” wrote the Italian football team, which scored its goals at the 1990 World Cup, in a statement posted on social media.

An idol of this 90 World Cup with legendary performances, he arrived at the tournament as a theoretical substitute. His goals placed him as a starting striker and he led, with Roberto Baggio, the ‘Azzurra’ in the semi-finals, scoring against Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, Ireland and Argentina in the semi-finals, in addition to a goal against England which decided the third place finish.

Those six goals made him the World Cup’s top scorer and elevated him to another level. In fact, he came second in the Ballon d’Or voting that year, behind Matthaus.