Italy's iconic World Cup Schillaci,59, passes away.

Salvatore Schillaci, an iconic Italian who led the 1990 World Cup in scoring, passed away at the age of 59. Recognized by most as "Toto," Schillaci scored six goals to win the Golden Boot in the World Cup held in his native country in 1990. 

Although Italy fell in the semifinals, Schillaci became a hero and received the Golden Ball for being the greatest player.

 In 2022, Schillaci received a colon cancer diagnosis.

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After starting his club career at Messina, he played for Italian powerhouses Juventus and Inter Milan, earning seven goals in 16 caps for his nation. Schillaci participated in Juventus in 1989, and the team stated: "We fell in love with Toto right away.

 Every game he played demonstrated his drive, his tale, and his incredibly intense emotion. "We at Juve were fortunate enough to get thrilled about him earlier than - in that fantastic summer of 1990 - every citizen of Italy did, attracted by those delightfully passionate celebration of his."

As a replacement against Austria, Schillaci netted his initial goal of the 1990 World Cup. He then made a second appearance as substitute versus the United States, earning his first start against the Czech Republic. 

As Italy's quest gained traction, Schillaci scored again while playing up front with Roberto Baggio. His legendary status was further cemented with more goals in the succeeding quarterfinal knockout stage matches against Uruguay and the Republic of Ireland.

Italy lost on penalty in Naples after leading 1-0 against Argentina in the semi-final; nonetheless, Schillaci won the coveted Golden Boot with his sixth goal of the competition versus England in the third-place play-off. 

He would lose out on the 1990 Ballon d'Or to Germany's captain Lothar Matthaus, who had won the World Cup.

"A football icon leaves us, a man who has touched the souls of Italians and sports fans around the globe," stated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. 

"The attacker from our national team's magical nights in Italy in 1990." We are grateful for the feelings you instilled in us; you helped us to dream, rejoice, embrace, and fly our flag." Schillaci was referred to by Serie A president Lorenzo Casini as "a winner who lit up the beautiful evenings of the 1990 World Cup in Italy". 

"His ambition to succeed and reach the very pinnacle of football has served as and is going to be an amplifier of motivation for many young individuals who pursue their goal of playing in Serie A."

Schillaci only managed one more goal for Italy, and he never again represented his country in a major competition. Before retiring in 1999, he became the first Italian player to compete in the J-League in Japan. 

Regarding Schillaci, Gabriele Gravina, the leader of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), stated: "His face was an icon of provided joy [and] will always be an integral part of Italian football."

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Great football player Toto was a relentless representation of willpower and rehabilitation. Because of his passionate football, he was able to excite the Azzurri supporters, and it was this unwavering energy that won him everyone's admiration and ensure his immortality." 

"The magical days of Italia '90 we witnessed along will always remain imprinted in my heart," stated Baggio, an old friend from Italy. Italy's eternal brothers