The city of Palermo gathered to bid farewell to Totò Schillaci, who passed away at the age of 59 after battling cancer. The funeral took place at the Cathedral of Palermo, with attendance limited to a thousand people for safety reasons. As the procession made its way to the church of San Giovanni Apostolo, where Schillaci grew up, it was met with applause and the iconic song “Notti Magiche,” a nod to his legendary performance in the 1990 World Cup.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports how in a gesture of respect and remembrance, FIFA sent two wreaths of flowers to the ceremony. The first wreath bore a special message honoring the Italian striker: “From FIFA to the hero of Italia ’90.” The second wreath was sent directly by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who expressed his condolences and solidarity with Schillaci’s family during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, in Messina, a city where Schillaci once played, a day of mourning was declared. The local mayor ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, and a minute of silence was observed in public buildings as a tribute to the football icon.
The funeral not only marked a moment of mourning but also celebrated the life and career of Totò Schillaci, whose contributions to Italian football have left an indelible mark on fans and players alike.
