Totò Schillaci, the man who famously ended Ireland’s World Cup dreams at Italia 90 has died at the age of 59.
Schillaci netted the winning goal for Italy against Ireland in the Quarter Finals of the 1990 competition – bringing the country’s first-ever run in the tournament to an end.
He ended the tournament as top scorer – with Italy knocked out by Argentina in the following round.
The Inter Milan legend was hospitalised earlier this month and the club this morning confirmed that he died overnight.
In a post online, the club said: “He made an entire nation dream during the magical nights of Italia 90.
“FC Internazionale Milano rallies around the Schillaci family following the passing of Totò.”
Ha fatto sognare una nazione intera durante le Notti Magiche di Italia ‘90 ???
FC Internazionale Milano si stringe intorno alla famiglia Schillaci per la scomparsa di Totò.#FCIM pic.twitter.com/PtxE7zWHod
— Inter ⭐⭐ (@Inter) September 18, 2024
Schillaci became a folk legend in Ireland in the years after the tournament and ahead of an appearance on The Hard Shoulder last year, he apologised to the Irish people.
“You remember me?” he asked.
“I’m very, very sorry but I play for Italia and my role is goals.”
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