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Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, an icon of Italian football and the top scorer in the 1990 World Cup, died at the age of 59.
Schillaci scored six goals and was the standout player for Italy in their home World Cup, helping the Azzurri to the semi-finals.The striker, who previously played for Inter Milan and Juventus, won the Golden Ball as tournament MVP and placed second in the Ballon d'Or that year.
Inter reported his death on Wednesday. Schillaci was hospitalized to Palermo's hospital last week after receiving treatment for colorectal cancer.
Giorgia Meloni, Italy's prime minister, led the honors to the striker. "A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world," Meloni told the crowd.
"Thank you for the emotions you provided us; for inspiring us to dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion."
Schillaci's trademark wide-eyed joy became a symbol of the 1990 World Cup, where "Toto" rose to prominence.
The Sicilian did not start Italy's first match, but came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Austria.
He led the Azzurri to the semi-finals, scoring in the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, where Argentina's Diego Maradona defeated the hosts on penalties.
Italy defeated England in the third-place play-off, with Schillaci scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot for his sixth of the tournament.
He only scored one more goal for Italy and did not compete in another big event.
Schillaci began his career in Sicily with Messina before joining Juventus in 1989. He won the Coppa Italia and the Uefa Cup in his debut season with Juventus, and his performance earned him a spot in Italia 90.
Juventus announced in a statement: "We instantly fell in love with Toto. With his drive, tale, and passion.
"We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did."
Despite just making one appearance for his country before to the competition, Schillaci seized the opportunity and emerged as Italy's breakout star during their home World Cup.
According to Serie A, Schillaci was "a great player, who lit up those 'Notti Magiche' at Italia '90".
"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 club stated.
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