Toto Schillaci, the Italian footballer who made headlines in 1990 by leading Italy to the semi-finals of the World Cup, has passed away at the age of 59.
Although relatively unknown outside of Italy, Schillaci became a global sensation with his passionate celebrations after scoring six goals to help Italy reach the last four of the tournament on home soil, ultimately losing to Argentina.
Schillaci was admitted to the hospital over the weekend due to a heart issue, and his death was confirmed this morning.
Starting his career with Messina, Schillaci emerged as the top scorer in Serie B in the 1988-89 season, earning a transfer to Juventus.
His impressive performance with Juventus, including 15 goals in 21 games across all competitions, contributed to the team’s success in winning the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in his debut season, leading to his selection for the Italy squad in the World Cup.
Despite initially being a substitute, Schillaci made a significant impact in the tournament by scoring crucial goals against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, and the Republic of Ireland, setting up a semi-final clash with Argentina.
He also scored against the defending champions but Italy was eliminated in a penalty shoot-out. Schillaci further cemented his legacy by scoring the winning goal in the third/fourth play-off against England, securing the Golden Boot with six goals and being named the tournament’s best player.
After leaving Juventus in 1992 to join Inter, Schillaci’s career was plagued by injuries. However, he enjoyed a successful stint in Japan with Jubilo Iwata, helping the club win the J.League title in 1997.
A tribute from Juventus praised Schillaci’s passion and impact on the team, highlighting his memorable performances during the 1990 World Cup.
“His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played.
“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.
“Because Totò arrived at Juve in 1989, and in that season he scored 15 goals in the league, four in the UEFA Cup and two in the Coppa Italia. Numbers that earned him the Azzurri shirt in the Italian World Cup, which – also thanks to him – became what we all remember as those ‘Magical Nights’.
“Top scorer in the competition and, with the national team, third, for an immense collective dream only stopped by those penalty kicks in Naples.
“His Juventus story went on for another two years, until 1992, making 132 appearances and scoring 36 goals – thirty-six of those magnificent strikes that we now watch over with a lump in our throats.