World Cup purpose machine Toto Schillaci dies aged 59 as Italy in mourning

Italia 90 World Cup golden boot winner Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci’ has passed away.

At the World Cup back in 1990, Schillaci bagged an impressive six goals, helping Italy to a bronze-medal. During the third-placed playoff against England, it was Schillaci who netted the winner against the Three Lions in a 2-1 win for Italy.

However, the former Juventus striker was admitted to hospital last week. And now it has been reported by Italian football journalist Tancredi Palmeri he has passed away.

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On Wednesday morning, Palmeri took to social media to break the news writing: “TOTO SCHILLACI HAS PASSED AWAY, 59.”

Back in 2022, he was diagnosed with colon cancer for which he underwent two operations. Speaking last week, Schillaci’s first wife Barbara, whom he remarried said of his admission to hospital: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.

“I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him. But I ask you to respect our private moment.”

However, it has now been confirmed the Italian has sadly passed away. The 59-year-old played for Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan and Japanese side Jubilo Iwata during his length professional career, which spanned over 500 games. He helped both Juventus and Inter to UEFA Cup glory in 1990 and 1994 respectively.

Both Serie A sides have since paid tribute to Schillaci on social media after his passing. “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia ’90,” Inter wrote on social media, adding: “Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”

Juventus posted a photo on social media of the Italian, simply writing: “Ciao Toto.”

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