Capped 16 occasions for his nation, scoring seven objectives, he represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan after starting his membership profession at Messina.
Juventus, whom Schillaci joined in 1989, mentioned: “We instantly fell in love with Toto. His need, his story, his being so splendidly passionate, and it confirmed in each sport he performed.
“We at Juve had been fortunate sufficient to get enthusiastic about him earlier than – in that unimaginable summer time of 1990 – the entire of Italy did, captivated by these splendidly energetic celebrations of his.”
Schillaci scored his first objective of the 1990 World Cup as an alternative towards Austria, and after one other substitute look towards the US earned his first begin towards the Czech Republic.
Partnering Roberto Baggio up entrance, Schillaci scored once more as Italy’s marketing campaign constructed momentum, and his hero standing was confirmed with additional objectives within the subsequent knockout spherical matches towards Uruguay and the Republic of Eire within the quarter-finals.
Regardless of opening the scoring within the semi-final towards Argentina, Italy misplaced out on penalties in Naples – however Schillaci sealed the Golden Boot along with his sixth objective of the event within the third-place play-off towards England.
He would end runner-up to Germany’s World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthaus for the 1990 Ballon d’Or.