1990 World Cup Icon: Italian World Cup Hero Toto Schillaci Dies

Italian Football Legend Passes Away

Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, the beloved Italian striker who became a national hero after his remarkable performance at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, has passed away at the age of 66.

Schillaci, who played most of his club career for Messina and Juventus, will be remembered for his iconic goal celebration at the 1990 World Cup, where he would kiss the camera after scoring.

Schillaci's Rise to Fame

Schillaci's rise to fame was nothing short of remarkable. At the age of 25, he was playing for Messina in the Italian Serie B when he was called up to the Italian national team for the 1990 World Cup.

Despite being a relatively unknown player at the time, Schillaci quickly made a name for himself at the World Cup. He scored a total of six goals in the tournament, including a brace in the semi-final against Argentina.

Italy's World Cup Run

Schillaci's goals helped Italy reach the final of the 1990 World Cup, where they eventually lost to West Germany 1-0.

Despite the loss, Schillaci's performance at the World Cup made him a national hero in Italy. He was awarded the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer and was named Italian Player of the Year.

Later Career and Legacy

After the World Cup, Schillaci continued to play for Juventus and Inter Milan, but he never quite managed to replicate his success at the international level.

Schillaci retired from playing in 1997 and went on to become a successful coach. He managed several Italian clubs, including Messina, Juventus, and Inter Milan.

Tributes Pour In

Following the news of Schillaci's passing, tributes have poured in from around the football world.

Former Italy teammate Franco Baresi said, "Toto was a great player and a wonderful person. He brought joy to millions of Italians with his goals at the 1990 World Cup.

Conclusion

Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci will be remembered as one of Italy's greatest footballers. His iconic performance at the 1990 World Cup made him a national hero and inspired a generation of young footballers.