Thousands of mourners gathered in Palermo, Sicily on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, to bid farewell to Italian World Cup hero Salvatore “Totò” Schillaci. His death at the age of 59 following a battle with colon cancer sent shockwaves through the world of football, and his funeral was a poignant tribute to a man who defied expectations and captivated hearts on the world's biggest stage.
Schillaci, a striker, never played for the Sicilian team but he was born and raised in the city, where he also set up a soccer youth academy after moving back when he retired. His coffin was decorated with an Italy jersey and a Palermo one, as well as with scarves of the various teams he played for — Messina, Juventus and Inter Milan. He ended his career at Japanese team Jubilo Iwata, retiring in 1999.
The funeral took place at the main cathedral in Palermo. There was space for around a thousand people in the cathedral and thousands more packed the square outside. They chanted Schillaci’s name and applauded when the hearse arrived and again when the coffin was brought back out after the funeral service.
Schillaci’s two brothers were among the pallbearers, along with nephew Francesco Di Mariano, who plays for Palermo and passed through his uncle’s soccer academy. Many former teammates were in attendance, including Giuseppe Bergomi, who played with Schillaci for Inter and Italy and was also Azzurri captain at the 1990 World Cup. Among the other figures from the world of soccer were Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina and Antonio Matarrese, who occupied the post in 1990.
Italia 90: A Defining Moment
Schillaci became synonymous with the 1990 World Cup that his country hosted, scoring six goals to win the Golden Boot and etching his name in footballing history. Before that tournament, he was a relative unknown, having only played once for the national team before. However, on that summer stage, he transformed into a global superstar, capturing hearts with his dynamic style of play and iconic goal celebrations.
His journey to the World Cup was an incredible one, a tale of resilience and determination. He was born into poverty in Palermo and, despite lacking a formal school education, always said football kept him out of trouble. His early years were spent as a lower-division striker, but he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Serie B’s top scorer in 1989, which led to a move to Juventus. At Juventus, he won the UEFA Cup and Coppa Italia, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and capable player. However, his selection to the Italian national team for the 1990 World Cup was still a surprise, even to himself.
“I got the last place in the squad so I didn’t expect to be on the bench, I thought I’d be watching in the stands,” Schillaci said in 2014. When Vicini instructed him to prepare to come on against Austria, his first reaction was: “Do you mean me?”
Schillaci’s impact on the tournament was immediate. He came on as a substitute in the opening game against Austria and scored the winning goal, sending the stadium into raptures. That it was the first header he had scored all season emphasized that this was a most unlikely hero, destined also to score against Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland, Argentina and, in the third-place playoff, England.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
His World Cup triumph marked the pinnacle of his career, and though he enjoyed success with Inter Milan, scoring one more goal for Italy, he never reached such heights again. But his legacy extended far beyond the field. He returned to Palermo after his career ended, continuing his ‘man of the people’ lifestyle and image that so many could relate to.
He was a role model for young players, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. He was also a symbol of hope and inspiration for his hometown of Palermo, a place that often struggles with poverty and crime. He showed that even in the most challenging of circumstances, dreams can be achieved.
Schillaci’s death is a loss not only to the world of football but to Italy as a whole. He was a true icon, a hero who captured the hearts of millions with his talent, his spirit, and his infectious smile. He will be remembered as the unlikely hero of Italia '90, a player who defied expectations and inspired a nation.
Remembered With a Smile
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, with former players, managers, and fans alike remembering him fondly. This video can not be played
He will be remembered as a true legend, a player who lived his life with passion and humility. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him and those who were inspired by his remarkable journey. His iconic celebration, with those wide-eyed expressions and outstretched arms, will forever be etched in the memory of all who witnessed it, a symbol of joy, triumph, and the magic of football.
A Hero's Farewell
His legacy will continue to inspire generations of footballers and fans. His story is a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of hard work, and the lasting impact that a player can have on the game. He may have been an unlikely hero, but his impact was undeniable.
Schillaci's life was a remarkable journey. He went from being a relatively unknown striker to becoming one of the most recognisable footballers on the planet. He was a hero, a legend, and his legacy will be cherished for generations to come. Italy, and the world, will remember him fondly, as the player who made them dream.
