Toto Schillaci, who rose to prominence in 1990 by propelling Italy to the semi-finals of the World Cup, has died. He was 59.
The Sicilian was a relative unknown exterior of Italy however grew to become a world determine together with his eye-bulging celebrations that adopted every of his six targets because the Azzurri reached the final 4 on house soil earlier than dropping to Argentina.
Schillaci was rushed to hospital with a coronary heart downside on the weekend and his loss of life was introduced this morning.
The striker began his profession with Messina, ending as prime scorer in Serie B within the 1988-89 season, a feat that earned him a transfer to Juventus.
Fifteen targets in 21 video games in all competitions helped Juve declare the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in his first season in Turin and noticed him named within the Italy squad for the World Cup.
He began the match on the bench however got here on to attain the winner of their opening sport in opposition to Austria.
Schillaci then netted in opposition to Czechoslovakia, Uruguay and the Republic of Eire to arrange a semi-final conflict with Argentina, led by Diego Maradona.
Ciao Totò
Hero of the Notte Magiche💙 pic.twitter.com/ZMoWSJBSv1— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) September 18, 2024
Schillaci netted his fifth objective of the match in opposition to the defending champions however Azeglio Vicini’s males exited on a penalty shoot-out.
Schillaci additionally netted the winner within the third/fourth play-off in opposition to England to say the Golden Boot with six targets. He was additionally named the match’s finest participant.
He left Juve in 1992 to affix Inter however his spell at San Siro was hampered by damage.
A prolific spell in Japan with Jubilo Iwata adopted together with his targets serving to the membership to the J.League title in 1997.
