Fans, family and friends bid an
emotional farewell to former Inter, Juventus and Italy striker
Totò Schillaci at his funeral in Palermo cathedral on Friday.
The 59-year-old, who had been in treatment for several years for
colon cancer, died in the Sicilian capital's Civico hospital on
Wednesday.
He is best remembered as the hero of the national team's
'magical nights' at the Italia '90 World Cup, when he was top
scorer with six goals.
"The father called you up for the match of the heart, the match
that will never end, that has made you part of the most
beautiful team in the world, which is called heaven," said
Monsignor Filippo Sarullo in his homily.
Around 1,000 people were present inside the cathedral with many
others outside.
The mourners included Italian Soccer Federation President
Gabriele Gravina, Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla and Schillaci's
former Inter and Italy team mate Beppe Bergomi, along with many
other ex-footballers.
"He was the hero of all of us," said Bergomi.
"Whenever we met up, even if it was after a long time, the deep
friendship remained.
"The year and a half that he was at Inter was intense.
"But his goal against Austria (at Italia '90) remains in my mind
- he came to hug me (after scoring).
"Young people want everything immediately, but they need to work
hard and Totò was an example in this regard".
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