World Cup legend, Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci is dead. Schillaci was reported to have died aged 59 after struggling with colon cancer.
NaijaOnPoint.com.ng (NOP) reports Schillaci was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and faced a major setback in his fight against the disease this month.
He was eventually hospitalised with an atrial arrhythmia and Inter Milan confirmed he died on Wednesday morning.
“You made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90. FC Internazionale Milano extends its condolences to the Schillaci family upon Totò’s passing,” Inter stated via X.
You allowed a whole nation to dream during the Notti Magiche of Italia ’90🇮🇹💙
FC Internazionale Milano extends its condolences to the Schillaci family upon Totò’s passing. #FCIM pic.twitter.com/zycdd77MnF
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter_en) September 18, 2024
Also, Juventus has confirmed the passing of the World Cup legend, stating: “Salvatore Schillaci left us today; too soon, too soon, at 59 years old”.
The Italian icon, who lit up the nation’s home World Cup in 1990, played for Juventus and Inter in a glittering career spanning 384 matches, scoring 159 goals.
The 25-year-old centre-forward bagged six goals in the World Cup where he emerged a national hero. He entered Italia 90 with just one cap and the squad number 19. He ended the tournament clutching the Golden Boot award as well as the Player of the Tournament trophy.
Reacting over the death of Schillaci, Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni wrote: “A football icon leaves us, a man who entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world.
“Salvatore Schillaci, known to all as Totò, the bomber of the magical nights of Italia ’90 with our National team. Thank you for the emotions you gave us, for making us dream, cheer, hug and wave our Tricolore. Have a good trip, champion”.
Similarly, the Serie A immediately announced a minute of silence would be observed ahead of every match this weekend.
Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina said: “The unstoppable celebrations, in which his face was a symbol of shared joy, will forever remain a common heritage of Italian football.
“Totò was a great footballer, a tenacious symbol of will and redemption, he was able to thrill the Azzurri fans because his football was full of passion. And it was precisely this indomitable spirit that made him appreciated by everyone and will make him immortal”.
NOP reports Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci is survived three children: Jessica, Mattia and Nicole.
