Italy’s World Cup icon ‘Toto’ Schillaci dies aged 59

Former Italian striker Salvatore "Toto" Schillaci, famous as the top scorer of the 1990 World Cup, died on Wednesday at the age of 59.

Juventus are among the Italian football clubs who have paid tribute to Schillaci, who became an icon for his surprise goals during the World Cup at home in his country, saying only "Ciao Toto" on social media media with a photo of him wearing a Juve shirt.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that all matches played in Italy between now and the end of next weekend will benefit from a "minute of reflection" before kick-off."His goal celebrations, in which his face became a symbol of collective joy, will forever remain an integral part of Italian football's heritage,"

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.Toto Schillaci played for Juventus and Inter after starting his career in the early 1980s in Messina and enjoyed modest success at club level.His best club season came just before the 1990 World Cup, when he scored 21 times in all competitions as Juventus won the UEFA Cup and UEFA Cup.

But he went from club hotshot to national hero that summer, scoring six times as Italy reached the semi-finals of Italia 90.

"At Juve, we were lucky enough to be excited for him before he did the same to all of Italy in that extraordinary summer of 1990," Juventus said."Goodbye, Totò. THANK YOU."

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