Italian football legend Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci, famed for his unforgettable performance at the 1990 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 59.
Schillaci rose to prominence during the tournament, netting six goals to claim the Golden Boot as the top scorer. His remarkable form earned him the Golden Ball as the best player, solidifying his place as a national hero, despite Italy’s semi-final exit on home soil.
In his international career, Schillaci was capped 16 times, scoring seven goals. He played for top clubs like Juventus and Inter Milan after starting his professional journey at Messina, leaving a lasting legacy in both Italian and global football.
Schillaci scored his first goal of 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.
Partnering Baggio up front, Schillaci scored again as Italy’s campaign-built momentum.
Schillaci’s legendary status was cemented as he continued his scoring spree in the knockout stages of the 1990 World Cup, netting crucial goals in Italy’s victories over Uruguay in the round of 16 and the Republic of Ireland in the quarter-finals.
Although he gave Italy an early lead in the semi-final against Argentina, the match ended in heartbreak as Italy was eliminated on penalties in Naples. However, Schillaci claimed the Golden Boot by scoring his sixth goal in the third-place play-off against England, further solidifying his place in World Cup history.
SOURCE: https://dew360.net
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