13 Facts About Salvatore Schillaci

At the international level, Salvatore Schillaci was the surprise star of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, as he helped Italy to a third-place finish on home soil.

Salvatore Schillaci then joined Turin club Juventus, and made his debut in Serie A on 27 August 1989.

Juventus, the "Old Lady" of Italian football, was at the time suffering from the breakup of the wonder team which dominated Italian football in the 1980s, under manager Giovanni Trapattoni; Salvatore Schillaci's arrival coincided with a return to form under the direction of former legendary Juventus goalkeeper Dino Zoff.

Salvatore Schillaci ultimately fell short of the expectations of the Inter fans, as well as those of Juventus, mainly because of the physical troubles which he suffered after the 1990 campaign.

Salvatore Schillaci was called up for Italy's squad for the 1990 FIFA World Cup that was played on home soil.

At the 1990 FIFA World Cup, Salvatore Schillaci replaced Andrea Carnevale during Italy's first match against Austria.

Salvatore Schillaci started alongside Baggio in Italy's next two matches of the knock-out stages, opening the scoring in the round of 16 and quarter-finals, against Uruguay and the Republic of Ireland respectively, and set up Aldo Serena's goal against Uruguay.

Salvatore Schillaci was a small, quick, agile, and mobile striker, with an eye for the goal, and solid technique.

Salvatore Schillaci was capable of finishing well both inside and outside the area, as well as from volleys, with powerful strikes, and was capable of scoring with his head as well as with his feet, despite not being particularly imposing in the air; he was accurate on set pieces and effective on penalties.

Salvatore Schillaci returned to his native Palermo, where he owned a youth academy of football.

Salvatore Schillaci appeared as a guest on Craig Doyle Live during UEFA Euro 2012.

Salvatore Schillaci died on the morning of 18 September 2024, at the age of 59.

Inter Milan led the tributes to Salvatore Schillaci stating "He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia 90".