The striker had been diagnosed with colon cancer some years ago and underwent treatment, but he was rushed to hospital in Palermo on Saturday evening suffering from cardiac irregularities.
His condition was stabilised by doctors and now his family has given an update via Instagram Stories.
“Totò, Barbara and the family thank all the people who at this moment are close to us with a call, a message or a prayer.
“His condition continues to improve. Totò is fighting with all his strength to recover as soon as possible.”
The most recent official statement from the hospital staff was released yesterday, confirming that Schillaci’s condition has “clearly improved compared to when he first arrived.”
Now 59 years of age, he was top scorer at the 1990 World Cup with six goals for Italy, who were hosting and finished the tournament in third place.
He played for Messina, Juventus, Inter and Japanese club Jubilo Iwata during his career, culminating in retirement in the summer of 1996.
Schillaci scored 37 goals with 12 assists in 120 Serie A appearances.
Totò Schillaci is feeling better. The former striker, known for the 'Magical Nights' of the 1990 World Cup in Italy, has been hospitalized since last Saturday in the Pulmonology department of the Civico hospital in Palermo. «The patient is currently alert, conscious, with a significant improvement in his anxious state, allowing him to rest peacefully», explains the hospital's medical management, noting that last night «an atrial arrhythmia was recorded, well tolerated by the patient, for which a pharmacological treatment was initiated that led to the stabilization of the heart rate».
The clinical picture of the Palermo-born forward, who defeated colon cancer a year ago, was described in recent days as «serious but stable». Today, however, it was announced that «the pharmacological therapies have resulted in an improvement in respiratory compensation with a reduction in oxygen support».
The former striker was taken into hospital on Monday and said to be in extremely serious condition.
It was assumed that the cause was a recurrence of the cancer he had undergone treatment for in recent years.
This evening, the Civico Hospital in Palermo released an update to the media, confirming that Schillaci had been receiving treatment to stabilise his heartbeat.
They were in turn also able to reduce the amount of oxygen he was on, noting that the ex-player is “alert and conscious, with a clear improvement in his status, so he is now resting peacefully.”
Schillaci is 59 years old and scored seven goals in 16 senior caps for Italy, winning the Golden Boot as top scorer in the 1990 World Cup with six goals as they secured third place in the home tournament.
At club level, he played for Messina, Juventus, Inter and Japanese club Jubilo Iwata before his retirement in 1996.
A Look Back: The Rise of a Legend
Totò Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore Schillaci, was a relatively unknown figure in the world of football before the 1990 World Cup. However, the tournament in Italy became a platform for his rise to fame, turning him into a national hero. His six goals in the competition, including a crucial one against England in the third-place play-off, cemented his place in football history. He went from an unheralded striker to a legend, a story that resonates with fans even today.
Schillaci’s journey to stardom began in the opening game of the 1990 World Cup against Austria. He came off the bench in the second half, replacing Andrea Carnevale, a surprising choice by manager Azeglio Vicini considering the likes of Roberto Baggio and Gianluca Vialli were also in the squad. His header sealed a 1-0 win for Italy, a moment that set the tone for the tournament's success.
The Italian forward continued his impressive form throughout the tournament, scoring against Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland, and Argentina. The Argentina match, the semi-final, saw Schillaci score an early goal that was later canceled out by Claudio Caniggia. Ultimately, the game went to a penalty shootout, and Italy's dream of the World Cup title ended. Despite this disappointment, Schillaci had already achieved legendary status in his home country.
Life Beyond The 1990 World Cup
Despite the success at the 1990 World Cup, Schillaci’s career took a different path. The expectations were high, but he couldn’t replicate his World Cup form in subsequent years. He played for Juventus, Inter Milan, and Jubilo Iwata in Japan before retiring in 1999.
While Schillaci's time in the spotlight after the World Cup may have been short-lived, his legacy remains intact. He will forever be remembered for his exceptional performance at the 1990 World Cup, a tournament that saw Italy’s footballing world enthralled by the rise of a true legend.
A Message of Hope and Resilience
Schillaci's recent hospitalization has sparked concern and prayers from fans around the world. His family has shared positive updates about his condition, highlighting his strength and resilience. As he recovers, we can draw inspiration from his remarkable journey, a story that transcends the world of sports, reminding us of the power of hope and perseverance.
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Schillaci’s legacy as a footballing legend remains. His story is one of passion, dedication, and an unwavering spirit. We wish him a speedy recovery and a return to good health.
