Totò Schillaci: all the goals of the Sicilian bomber at the Italia ‘90 World Cup

Salvatore Schillaci, better known as Totò, is one of the names that will forever remain linked to the legend of the Italy ‘90 World Cup. Born in Palermo in 1964, Schillaci experienced the peak of his career during that tournament, where with his extraordinary performances he dragged Italy to third place, winning the title of top scorer and best player of the competition. With six goals in seven matches, Schillaci became the hero of that unforgettable summer, starring in the famous ‘Notti Magiche’ (Magic Nights), sung by Edoardo Bennato and Gianna Nannini in the official World Cup theme song.

Schillaci's debut: The goal against Austria (9 June 1990)

Totò Schillaci's fairytale began on 9 June 1990, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, during Italy's debut against Austria. The match was locked at 0-0 when coach Azeglio Vicini decided to substitute Andrea Carnevale in the 75th minute. Just four minutes later, Schillaci, who had come on from the bench, scored the 1-0 header on an assist from Gianluca Vialli, giving the Azzurri their first win of the tournament. That goal marked the beginning of a legendary ride for the Palermo striker.

The Goal against Czechoslovakia (19 June 1990)

After being left empty in the second match against the United States, Schillaci started in the third match of the group stage against Czechoslovakia. In the ninth minute of the first half, Totò wasted no time and immediately unblocked the match with a lightning goal. Italy, thanks also to Roberto Baggio's subsequent goal in the 78th minute, won 2-0 and qualified for the round of 16 as first in the group.

Eighth Finals: The Goal against Uruguay (26 June 1990)

In the round of 16, Italy faced Uruguay at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. On this occasion too, it was Schillaci who unblocked the result. In the 65th minute, with a powerful shot from outside the box, Totò put the Azzurri ahead, who closed the match at 2-0 thanks to a second goal by Aldo Serena. The Sicilian bomber had become a national idol and Italy prepared for the quarter-finals with enthusiasm running high.

Quarter-Finals: The Goal against Ireland (30 June 1990)

Italy's journey continued with the quarter-final against Ireland, a match that proved more difficult than expected. Schillaci, however, did not disappoint expectations and in the 38th minute scored the decisive goal that led Italy to a 1-0 victory. The Azzurri were one step away from the final and the dream seemed ever closer, with Schillaci in a state of grace.

Semifinal: The Goal against Argentina (3 July 1990)

The semi-final against Argentina was played at the San Paolo in Naples, a scenario that aroused much controversy, as the Azzurri were facing the team of Diego Armando Maradona, the undisputed idol of the Neapolitans. Schillaci scored again, putting Italy ahead in the 17th minute with a goal. However, Argentina equalised, and the match ended in penalty kicks, where the Azzurri were defeated. The dream of the final faded, despite the superlative performance of the Azzurri number 19.

Final Third Place: The Goal against England (7 July 1990)

The last match of the World Cup, the one for third place against England, was Schillaci's last chance to score any more goals in the tournament. After Baggio's early lead, the English equalised, but in the 86th minute Schillaci scored a penalty kick, giving Italy a 2-1 victory and third place. That goal confirmed his status as top scorer and earned him the Golden Shoe of the tournament, as well as the award as best player of the World Cup.

The Legacy of Totò Schillaci and the ‘Magic Nights

Schillaci's six goals in that World Cup consecrated him as one of the most iconic strikers in the history of Italian football. Despite a less glittering club career than that of other colleagues, the Italia ‘90 adventure remained forever etched in the collective memory. With his energy, flair for goal and ability to decide matches, Totò became the emblem of an Italy that, although it did not win the trophy, gave unrepeatable emotions.

Schillaci himself, recalling those magical nights, declared: ‘There are periods in a footballer's life when you succeed at everything. For me this state of grace coincided with that World Cup. It means that someone, from up there, decided that Totò Schillaci should become the hero of Italia ‘90.’