The former striker of Juventus, Inter and Italy, Salvatore (Toto) Schillaci, has passed away at the age of 59. Skilaci won the hearts of Italians, but also of many Albanian fans, fans of the Azzurri during the 1990 World Cup.
The father of three daughters had been suffering from a serious illness for a long time and could not win the most important match in his life. Capped 16 times for his country, scoring seven goals, he represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan after starting his club career in Messina.
Schillaci scored his first goal at the 1990 World Cup as a substitute against Austria, and after another substitute appearance against the United States earned his first start against the Czech Republic.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said:
"A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world. The striker of the magical nights of Italy '90 with our national team. Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, celebrate, embrace and wave our national flag.”
Serie A president Lorenzo Casini described Schillaci as "a champion who lit up the magical nights of the 1990 World Cup in Italy".
He became the first Italian player to play in Japan's J-League before retiring in 1999.
