Salvatore Schillaci, the former Italy and Juventus striker, passed away at the age of 59 on September 18 (Wednesday). Schillaci, who also played for Inter Miami, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and was hospitalised last week. Schillaci guided Italy to a third-place finish in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, securing the Golden Boot with six goals. His key contributions included goals in the semifinal against Argentina and in the third-place match against England.
Schillaci was also awarded the Golden Ball as he was elected the Best Player of the tournament.
Schillaci began his club career at Messina before playing for Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan. He scored seven goals in 16 appearances for the national team. Joining Juventus in 1989, the club immediately embraced him and during the summer of 1990, the entire football world witnessed his brilliance.
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Schillaci scored his first goal of the 1990 World Cup as a substitute against Austria. He then came on as a substitute against the United States before earning his first start against the Czech Republic. As Italy’s campaign progressed, Schillaci, alongside teammate Roberto Baggio, continued to shine, adding another goal to his tally. His hero status was solidified with key goals in the quarterfinals against the Republic of Ireland and in the knockout round against Uruguay.
Italy lost on penalties against Argentina in the semi-final in Naples. However, Schillaci secured the Golden Boot by scoring his sixth goal of the tournament in the third-place play-off against England. He was edged out for the 1990 Ballon d'Or by Germany’s captain Lothar Matthaus, who won the World Cup.
Schillaci scored 159 goals in 384 appearances throughout his footbal career.