Italian football legend Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci dies at 59 after battling colon cancer

Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, the former Italy forward who captured the world’s attention during the 1990 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 59, Palermo Civico hospital confirmed.

Schillaci, who had been battling colon cancer, was admitted to the hospital in early September.

Schillaci’s rise to fame came at the 1990 World Cup, where he scored six goals to win the golden boot and helped Italy secure third place.

His performances earned him the tournament’s golden ball, beating icons like Lothar Matthäus and Diego Maradona.

Born in Palermo, Schillaci also enjoyed a successful club career, most notably with Juventus and Inter Milan.

He won a UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia with Juventus and later added another UEFA Cup title with Inter.

After finishing his career in Japan, Schillaci won the J-League title with Jubilo Iwata in 1997.

In response to his passing, Palermo FC, Juventus, and Inter Milan released heartfelt condolences.

As Inter stated, “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia ’90.”