The famous footballer who became a sensation at the 1990 World Cup has died

Former Italian national team player Salvatore Scillaci has died at the age of 59. In 2022, the ex-footballer was diagnosed with colon cancer, after which Salvatore underwent two operations.

Scillaci played for Juventus, Inter, Messina and Jubilo Iwata from Japan. He scored 7 goals in 16 matches for the national team. Six of them were scored during the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, making Scillacci the tournament's top scorer and player.

"He was a hero of Italy 90, a symbol of those 'magical nights' that remain in the hearts and memories of millions of Azzurri fans. The world of football mourns Salvatore "Toto" Scillaci, who died untimely today at the age of 59," the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said in a statement.

Born in Palermo, Scillaci reached the peak of his football career at the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, becoming the top scorer with 6 goals and leading Italy to the semifinals, which they lost on penalties to Argentina, eventually finishing third.

"There will be a minute's silence in his memory before all championship matches scheduled from today until the weekend," the FIGC said.

Scillaci began his career at Messina, playing 219 games and scoring 61 goals in seven seasons and contributing to the Sicilian club's double promotion from Serie C2 to Serie B. In 1989, he signed for Juventus and scored 15 goals in his first season with the Bianconeri, winning the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup.

This earned him a call-up to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, where he arrived as a substitute, but then sensationally became a real hero of the World Cup.

However, Salvatore's career with the national team ended at that World Cup. After that grand World Cup, he scored only once for Italy.

After leaving Juventus, he played two seasons for Inter Milan (30 games and 11 goals) and then finished his career in Japan at Jubilo Iwata, becoming the first Italian player to play in the Japanese league.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!