Watch: Totò Schillaci, hero of Italy’s 1990 World Cup, dies aged 59

Italia 90 star Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59 following a brave battle with colon cancer, reports confirm on Wednesday morning.

Schillaci had been diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2022, revealing his illness a year later in January 2023. He had been admitted to hospital on September 7 and had reportedly been in a stable condition. 

The former striker was best known to the international community for his starring role in the 1990 World Cup, where he finished as the tournament’s top goalscorer with a tally of six. 

Starring alongside Roberto Baggio and later Gianluca Vialli, Schillaci found the net twice in the group stage against Austria and Czechoslovakia, before going on to score in the round of 16, quarter-final, sem-final and third place play-off against England. 

As well as his Golden Boot, he also picked up the Golden Ball, confirming his place as the best player at Italia 90. 

Born on December 1, 1964, Schillaci started his football formation in the youth ranks of AMAT Palermo and in 1982 he moved to Messina.

At Messina he helped the team to two promotions to the Italian Serie B.

His performances were noticed by Italian giants Juventus who secure his services in 1989 where he spent three seasons.

During his spell in Turin he helped Juventus to win the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup in season 1989-90.

In 1992, he moved to Inter but his spell in Milan was hampered by a series of injuries and two years later he left Italy and head to Japan where he joined Jubilo Iwata.

In Japan he managed to win the league title in 1997 but then decided to end his career as a player in 1999.

Schillaci finished with 120 apperances in the Italian Serie A, scoring 37 goals.

Schillaci enjoyed a great association with Malta.

In 2009, Schillaci formed part of an Italian team of retired players that figured in an exhibition match against a Malta FA selection at the National Stadium.

Four years later, Schillaci was a guest of SportMalta Awards – L-Ghażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali and during an interview with the Times of Malta he said his strong will and determination to succeed were key for him to achieve such a successful career.

“During my time it was not really easy to break into a Serie A team and even more difficult to play with the two biggest teams in the country, Juventus and Inter,” Schillaci said.

“I was born and bred in Palermo and it was not easy for youngsters like me from that part of the country to get noticed by the major clubs in the north. But, I always dreamed of becoming a famous player and listened carefully to what my instructors used to tell me during training.

“I wanted to improve and in difficult times I always believed that I could surpass all obstacles and become an individual with a strong character.

“Determination and will to succeed are two very important values that I always try to transmit to young players attending my football school.”

Two years later, Schillaci returned to Malta to take part in the President’s Solidary Run, that year organised under the leadership of Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Schillaci had installed a very close friendship with Dr Kenneth Vella, Ambassador of Malta to Estonia and Finland.

Dr Vella told the Times of Malta that Schillaci had approached the battle against cancer with great courage and positivity and was keen to resume his life.

“I always remained in close contact with Toto Schillaci, his second wife Barbara and his son Mattia,” Dr Vella said.

“Toto was determined to win the battle against his illness and he was planning to return to Malta once he recovers his full health.

“I was planning to help him find people to translate his Italian autobiography into English to attract a more international audience.

“I would like to send my deepest condolences and solidarity to Barbara and his son Mattia and his other children who never left for one second Toto during his time at the hospital.”