For some, the 17th of September was just an average Wednesday. But for soccer fanatics and all Italians alike, it was a day where time stood still. The death of a beloved icon is never easy to bear, but where their life ends, their legacy begins. For Salvatore “Toto” Schillaci, his legacy is one of skill, passion, and unforgettable moments. And it was his actions both on and off the field that have cemented his place as one of Italy’s most beloved forwards, both domestically and on the international stage.
The Palermo Civico hospital confirmed the icon football player’s passing at just 59 years old in a brief statement on Wednesday after being admitted 11 days prior. His hospitalisation came following his diagnosis with colon cancer in 2022, which he didn’t reveal to the public until January 2023.
Known for his dazzling footwork and larger-than-life personality, Schillaci was more than just a player – he was a symbol of determination, talent, and the spirit of the beautiful game. Not to mention, Italy’s star player.
Some may love him for his groundbreaking performance in the 1990 FIFA World Cup hosted in Italy, whereas others may admire him for his contributions to leading Serie A teams like Juventus and Inter Milan.
Although his death brought a devastating wave of grief over many, it’s safe to say, Schillaci hasn’t gone far. The Sicilian-born football player lives on through his countless achievements and contributions to the industry. And we can say with confidence, his legacy is one that doesn’t fall short.
From winning the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball award in the semi-finals against Argentina in the 1990 World Cup, to playing in two of the most respected Italian teams, as well as playing for a brief time in Japan, Schillaci made his mark. And for that, he will continue to be an inspiration for the future of football, both players and fans.
And in light of his passing, it is abundantly clear that Schillaci touched many lives. But before we jump into all the heartfelt tributes, let’s recap his career for everyone who doesn’t understand why the world loved him.
Early Breakthrough
Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci’s rise to stardom during the 1990 World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. At just 25, he entered the tournament with only one international cap to his name and the modest squad number 19. Despite competing with renowned strikers like Gianluca Vialli and Andrea Carnevale, Schillaci’s determination is what set him apart, gaining the attention of the Azzurri’s 1990 coach, Azeglio Vicini.
Coming off a successful season at Juventus, where he scored 21 goals in 50 matches, he was primed to make an impact. But as fate would have it, he started the tournament on the bench in Italy’s opening match against Austria. With the game locked at 0-0 after 76 minutes, Schillaci was finally handed his chance. It took him less than two minutes to prove himself to Italy, and the world, scoring a header that ignited his career and reputation.
Italia ’90: The Summer of Schillaci
Schillaci’s goal against Austria turned out to be the first of many iconic moments. He soon earned a place in the starting lineup and continued his form with a goal in Italy’s final group match against Czechoslovakia.
From there, the Juventus striker carried the hopes of a nation, scoring crucial goals against Uruguay and Ireland – one’s that progressed Italy into the semifinals, where they faced the legendary Diego Maradona in the Argentinian national team. Schillaci opened the scoring in that match too, with a clinical follow-up goal in the 17th minute.
Though Italy would suffer a heartbreaking exit on penalties, Schillaci’s six goals in the tournament won him the Golden Boot, and his jaw-dropping performance and celebrations became the lasting image of Italia ’90.
Post-Career Stardom
Schillaci’s impact didn’t end when his playing days were over. After retiring, his fame endured, leading him into a variety of post-career ventures – ultimately adding to his already highly-developed legacy. He appeared regularly on talk shows and even took on acting roles, most notably portraying a mafia boss in a popular Italian drama series.
To add, Schillaci founded the Totò Schillaci Football Academy in his hometown of Palermo, Sicily, where he dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of players. The academy became a beacon for aspiring young talent, offering not just football training but life lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience – the very qualities that defined Schillaci’s own career.
Through this, he continued to give back to the sport and the community that had supported him into his fame and fortune, ensuring his legacy would live on through the dreams of the youth he inspired.
His post-football life showed Schillaci to be much more than just another footballer.
And not to overlook his family life, his three children, Jessica, Mattia and Nicole, are also a major part of the legacy he leaves behind.
In a nutshell, that’s pretty much it. So now that we’re all caught up, let’s read some of those testimonials, shall we?
In a post on LinkedIn on Wednesday, Italy’s serving Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, shared her tribute to the football legend, offering nothing short of praise and honour.
“Ci lascia un’icona del calcio, un uomo entrato nel cuore degli italiani e degli amanti dello sport nel mondo. Salvatore Schillaci, per tutti Totò, il bomber delle notti magiche di Italia ’90 con la nostra Nazionale. Grazie per le emozioni che ci hai regalato, per averci fatto sognare, esultare, abbracciare e sventolare il nostro Tricolore. Buon viaggio, campione,” she said.
And don’t worry, if you’re still working on your Italian, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s the English translation; “He leaves us an icon of football, a man who entered the hearts of Italians and sports lovers around the world. Salvatore Schillaci, known to all as Totò, the striker of the magical nights of Italia ’90 with our national team. Thank you for the emotions you have given us, for making us dream, rejoice, hug and wave our Tricolor. Have a good trip, champion.”
The Mayor of Palermo (Schillaci’s hometown) added – “With the premature passing of Toto Schillaci, the city mourns the loss of the most representative Palermo footballer in history at a global level.”
“A popularity that, however, has never changed Schillaci, who has always maintained a kind, humble and helpful soul”.
An announcement was made later in the week that the city will hold a public viewing of Schillaci at its Renzo Barbera stadium ahead of the funeral.
Continuing on this line of much-deserved praise, is Juventus. This Turin-based club meant a lot to Schillaci, both personally and professionally, as his signing with the club in 1989 not only marked the beginning of his Champions League career, but it also gave him the recognition he needed to be selected for the 1990 Azzurri.
Alongside his team of icons including Roberto Baggio, Giuseppe Giannini and Antonio Conte, Schillaci then went on to win the Coppa Italia and Europa League with Juventus.
On Wednesday morning Juventus released a statement that read (don’t worry, we’ve got it in English this time from the get-go!), “We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.”
“Salvatore Schillaci left us today; too soon, too soon, at 59 years old.”
“We fell in love with Toto right away.” “With his desire, his story, his passion, and you could see it in every game he played.”
“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, enchanted by his wonderfully energetic celebrations.”
“Because Toto arrived at Juve in ’89, and in that season he scored 15 goals in the league, 4 in the UEFA Cup and 2 in the Italian Cup. Numbers that, in fact, earned him the blue jersey in the Italian World Cup, which – also thanks to him – became what we all remember as the month of the ‘Magic Nights’”.
The team also took to Instagram, sharing two separate posts of Schillaci in the signature black and white striped jersey.
“Ciao Totò,” and another that was captioned “Totò Schillaci, your legacy will live on in our hearts.”
Roberto Baggio, who joined Juventus in 1990, and has since became one of Italy’s greatest footballers, took to Instagram to commemorate his teammate and friend, writing, “Ciao my dear friend.”
The Serie A President Lorenzo Casini wasn’t too far behind, sharing a post on X (formally known as Twitter), and writing “(We) would like to extend their deepest condolences to the family of Salvatore ‘Totò’ Schillaci, the entire football community and Italian football fans upon his passing.”
“His desire to make it at the top level in football was constant and he will continue to be an inspiration for the many children who dream of playing in Serie A”.
The official Instagram account for the Serie A also made tribute in a post writing “Ciao Totò.”
And in honour of the beloved player, Italian football federation president, Gabriele Gravina, announced that a minute of silence would be held before all games in the country for the rest of the week.
“The uncontrollable celebrations, in which his face was the symbol of shared joy, will remain forever part of Italian soccer (history),” Gravina said. “Totò was a great player, a symbol of tenacious desire and redemption. … His soccer was full of passion. And that fearless spirit made everyone appreciate him and will make him immortal.”
And finally, we couldn’t write this article without making mention of Inter Milan’s tribute.
Although his time at Inter wasnt nearly as influential as his time at Juventus, Schillaci was part of the Inter Milan squad that won the UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) in 1994 – a win that was one of the major honours of his career.
On Wednesday the team took to social media saying, “You made an entire nation dream during the Magical Nights of Italia ’90.”
While Schillaci may no longer be with us, his impact on Italian football and the hearts of fans worldwide ensures that he will never be forgotten.
In his words, in an interview with Rai Italia, “Every footballer’s dream is to be able to put on the blue shirt of the national team. No-one expected my performance in the World Cup.”
Schillaci leaves us, having lived his ultimate dream, and leaving a legacy fit for the history books.
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Until we meet again, Ciao Bella xo