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      Who is Salvatore Toto Schillaci’s wife Barbara?

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      ITALIAN football legend Salvatore Schillaci has died at the age of 59.The Palermo-born striker leaves behind his wife Barbara and three children Jessica, Mattia and Nicole after losing a two-year battle to colon cancer, which he was diagnosed in 2022.Totò Schillaci and Barbara Lombardi attend the photocall for “Pechino Express – La via delle Indie” on March 06, 2023 in Milan, ItalyCredit: gettyItalian forward Salvatore Schillaci was a much loved football legendCredit: gettyWho is Salvatore Toto Schillaci’s wife Barbara?Barbara Lombardi is an Italian dentist, and widow to the former Italian football legend, Salvatore Schillaci, who died at the age of 59.Salvatore Schillaci, who is affectionately known as “Toto” was a famous striker who played for Messina, Juventus, Inter Milan over the course of his career.He scored 37 goals across 120 appearances in Serie A, while he also won the UEFA Cup twice.One of her husband’s most memorable moments was winning the World Cup Golden Boot during the Italia 90 tournament, as the leading goalscorer.READ MORE FROM FOOTBALLSchillaci retired in 1999, and returned to his native home of Palermo with his wife where they owned a youth football academy. Her husband had previously been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and had undergone two operations. Fears about his health mounted in early September after Schillaci was admitted to the Civico hospital in Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His death was announced on September 18, 2024. Most read in SportBarbara married the World Cup legend in 2012, and he is survived by his three children who he shared with ex-wife, Rita Bonaccorso; Jessica Schillaci, Mattia Schillaci and Nicole Schillaci. Not much is reported on Barbara because she lived a life outside of the public eye as a devoted wife to her late husband.Salvatore Schillaci of the Azzurri Stars looks on during the training session at Acqua Acetosa sports center on August 31, 2015 in Rome, ItalyCredit: getty More

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      Who is Salvatore Schillaci’s children? Meet Italian football legend’s kids Jessica, Mattia and Nicole

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      SALVATORE “Totò” Schillaci had three children, each of whom pursued their own unique paths in life. Sadly, Schillaci passed away on September 18, 2024, at the age of 59, after a battle with colon cancer, which he had been fighting since 2022.Salvatore Schillaci passed away at the age of 59Credit: Getty – ContributorThe star had three kidsCredit: AFPThe star had undergone two operations for his cancer since his diagnosis.Prior to his passing, Schillaci sparked concern for his health after he was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.Who is Salvatore Schillaci’s children?Schillaci, the Italian football legend who gained fame during the 1990 World Cup, has three children. He has a son named Mattia Schillaci and two daughters, Jessica and Nicole Schillaci. More on Salvatore SchillaciAlthough Schillaci is a well-known figure in the world of football, he has largely kept his personal life, including details about his children, out of the public eye. Jessica SchillaciJessica is the eldest daughter of Schillaci. She is a nurse based in Verona, having earned two degrees. Jessica is also passionate about writing, which she explores through her blog.Most read in FootballShe was born from Salvatore’s marriage to ex Rita Bonaccorso.Mattia SchillaciMattia was also born from Schillaci’s relationship with Rita.He studied in Portugal to become a dentist and is currently based in Porto.Mattia is a Juventus fan, a nod to his father’s successful stint with the club during his football career.Schillaci represented Italian giants Juventus and Inter Milan throughout his career, but saw his most memorable moments happen in the famous blue of the Italian national team.Nicole SchillaciNicole is the youngest daughter of Schillaci, born from his second relationship after his first marriage to Rita. Nicole has pursued an artistic path and is currently attending an arts-focused high school.Her father has mentioned being proud of all his children for finding their own paths.What did Toto Schillaci say about his kids?Schillaci spoke about his children, saying: “My children are my life; I wasn’t always physically present due to work commitments, but they grew up healthy. READ MORE SUN STORIESThis is also thanks to my exes who provided them with a bright future.” The former player said he was very happy for his kids because they had successfully found their own path. More

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      Sven-Goran Eriksson robbed of dying wish as officials forbid ashes from being scattered at favourite beauty spot

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      Sven Goran Eriksson has been robbed of his dying wish – after officials banned the ex-England manager’s ashes from being scattered at his favourite beauty spot.Swede Eriksson passed away aged 76 on August 26 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s wish to have his ashes spread at his favourite spot has been scupperedCredit: APLocal officials have forbid his family from spreading his ashes in Lake FrykenCredit: AlamyHis funeral took place last Friday in home town Torsby, attended by a host of celebrities including David Beckham and Eriksson’s former partner Nancy Dell’Olio.The much-travelled coach remained attached to his home region, and recently told a documentary that he wanted to have his ashes scattered in Lake Fryken.Eriksson said: “It’s a beautiful place. It makes you calm, it makes me calm.”My father grew up below the mountain. If you look straight ahead there is Torsby where I grew up, and in the other direction is Sunne where I was born.READ MORE ON SVEN”I have always thought it was a good place to sleep.”My ashes can be thrown into the water here. It feels like home.”However local council officials have quashed Eriksson’s dream by forbidding his family from casting his remains into the picturesque lake.The urn containing his ashes will instead be buried at a secret location.Most read in FootballEriksson’s agent Bo Gustavsson said: “We have not been allowed to scatter his ashes in Lake Fryken.”The ex-manager’s lawyer pal Anders Runebjer added: “We have withdrawn our application to scatter his ashes. They will be buried in an urn instead.” Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former mistress Faria Alam has bid him an emotional final farewellLake Fryken, in Varmland county, lies around 185 miles west of Swedish capital Stockholm.Eriksson ended a five-year spell as Three Lions boss in 2006.He managed Manchester City, Leicester and a string of leading European sides including Benfica, Roma and Lazio.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral took place in his home town last weekCredit: ReutersEngland fans and players paid tribute to the icon during the international breakCredit: ReutersThe Swedish manager took chare of England from 2001 to 2006Credit: GettySven-Goran Eriksson’s managerial careerFOLLOWING Sven-Goran Eriksson’s death from his battle with cancer, SunSport takes a look at his remarkable managerial career…PROMISING STARTIt began in Sweden in 1977 where he won the third division with Degerfors, before he joined Gothenburg and won two Swedish Cups and the Uefa Cup.He then took over at Benfica in 1982 and spent two seasons with the Portuguese giants where he won back-to-back league titles.INCREDIBLE ITALIAN SUCCESSStints followed in Italy with Roma and Fiorentina, but he returned to Benfica in 1989 and reached the European Cup final before losing to AC Milan.Eriksson claimed a third league title with Benfica the following year, leaving in 1992 for Sampdoria.He spent five seasons with the Serie A side, winning the Copa Italia in 1994.Eriksson then added another two Coppa Italias to his trophy cabinet with Lazio across a four-year spell.ENGLAND APPOINTMENTThen came the England job in 2001 where he spent five years at the helm of the national side.He reached the quarter-finals of World Cup 2002, losing 2-1 to eventual winners Brazil.England then suffered back-to-back eliminations at the hands of Portugal at Euro 2004 and World Cup 2006.PREMIER LEAGUE SPELLSAfter leaving the Three Lions following his third major tournament, he spent one season at Manchester City.Spells followed at Mexico, Ivory Coast and Leicester, before he moved to China where he coached three clubs across a four-year period.His last managerial stint came for the Philippines national team, a position he held from October 2018 to January 2019.MAJOR HONOURSPortugal League title x 3 (Benfica 82/83, 83/84, 90/91)Copa Italia x 4 (Roma 85/86, Sampdoria 93/94, Lazio 97/98, 99/00)Serie A title (Lazio 99/00)Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup (Lazio 98/99)Uefa Super Cup (Lazio 99)BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year (England 2001) More

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      Andy Carroll rips up Amiens contract as ex-England striker joins non-league club on free transfer in shock career twist

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      FORMER Premier League striker Andy Carroll has joined French side Bordeaux.The 35-year-old completed a free transfer from Ligue 2 outfit Amiens this week.Andy Carroll has joined BordeauxCredit: X @girondinsA club statement on social media read: “Welcome Andy Carroll. The club is delighted to welcome the England international striker.”He has a wealth of high-level experience with almost 450 professional games, making him an ideal addition to Bordeaux’s attack.”Reports claim he was persuaded to make the drop down to the fourth tier by Amiens sporting director John Williams, who has been assisting Bordeaux with recruitment in the wake of their double relegation.Bordeaux were declared bankrupt last month and placed into financial administration.Read More in FootballLes Girondis now play in Championnat National 2 and will receive help from new signing Carroll this season in a bid for promotion.Bordeaux marks the eighth club of the striker’s career.Carroll signed his first professional contract with Newcastle back in 2006 after graduating from the club’s academy.He went on to make 134 first team appearances before joining Liverpool in 2011.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe striker then spent six years with West Ham before returning to St James’ Park in 2019.Carroll has since spent short spells with Reading, West Brom and Amiens.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsHe was capped nine times for England between 2010 and 2012 and scored two international goals. More

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      BBC unveil line-up for new Champions League show as Gary Lineker misses out on presenting job with rival at helm

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      THE BBC have announced the line-up for their brand new Champions League highlights show.The Beeb will show highlights of Europe’s elite competition this season after sealing a deal worth around £20m to bring fans the action on free-to-air TV.Gary Lineker won’t be presenting the BBC’s Champions League highlights showCredit: GettyGabby Logan will head up the coverage instead of LinekerCredit: PAMark Chapman will also be one of the main presenters of the showCredit: GettyThe weekly show, which will air on Wednesdays, will follow a similar format to Match of the Day but with one glaring difference – no Gary Lineker.The iconic MOTD host has been snubbed for the Champions League show, which will instead be hosted by Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.Chapman and Logan will also be joined by BBC regular Jason Mohammed on the presenting team for the show.Fans can expect an array of former pros on the pundits’ panel too, bringing expert analysis to Europe’s biggest fixtures.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFormer England stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott have been announced as part of the team.While retired Lioness Steph Houghton and ex-Germany star Thomas Hitzlsperger will also be on fans’ TV screens.More Premier League stars will offer their analysis too with former QPR and Man City defender Nedum Onuoha and ex-Liverpool and Villa star Stephen Warnock signed on for the show.Fans will be able to watch the highlights on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app from 10pm on Wednesdays of Champions League matchweeks.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBBC’s Champions League teamHere’s a look at the BBC’s team for their new Champions League highlights show…PresentersMark ChapmanGabby LoganJason MohamedPunditsTheo WalcottJoe HartNedum OnuohaSteph HoughtonStephen WarnockThomas HitzlspergerWith the show then airing on BBC One from 10:40pm the same night.There will be a bonus episode of the show this Thursday with the new Champions League format spreading the opening fixtures across three days instead of the customary two.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker The BBC’s decision to not use Gary Lineker as the show’s host comes as the 63-year-old enters the final year of his contract with the broadcaster.Lineker, who has presented Match of the Day for 25 years, has cast doubt over his future with the Beeb in a recent interview with BBC Breakfast.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Joe Hart will be one of the BBC’s expert punditsCredit: GettyTheo Walcott is also part of the teamCredit: Getty More

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      Forgotten Man Utd wonderkid ‘one of best players ever seen’ but ‘had no chance’ as Sir Alex Ferguson couldn’t tame him

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      JAMES COLLINS has revealed forgotten Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison could not be tamed by Sir Alex Ferguson.The former West Ham ace said Morrison was “one of the best players” he had ever seen but never had a chance under Fergie at Old Trafford.Forgotten Manchester United wonderkid Ravel Morrison could not be tamed by Sir Alex FergusonCredit: GettyMorrison was hailed as ‘one of the best players’ but never had a chance under Fergie at Old TraffordCredit: GettyFormer West Ham teammate opened up about the potential Morrison hadCredit: Getty – ContributorMorrison rose through the youth ranks at United where he was touted as one of the club’s most promising youth talents. His football career has been hindered by legal issues and disciplinary problems. The former midfielder made three cup appearances for the first-team before but never made a league appearance.In 2012 he then headed down to east London where he played alongside Collins.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas” Collins hailed Morrison as one of the best.Collins said: “I’ve spoken about him before, but Ravel Morrison, technically, is one of the best players I’ve ever seen. “We had him for a short period at West Ham, and Big Sam [Allardyce] tried to get his head straight, if you like. “He was a good lad, Ravel, but he had a lot going on outside of the pitch.”Most read in FootballMorrison continuously kept getting caught up with breaking the law during his time at United and also after. Which Collins blamed as his downfall on becoming a star player.Rio Ferdinand almost in tears at Sir Alex Ferguson’s heartwarming text about Man Utd wonderkid Ravel Morrison He added: “I love him. He’s a good lad. It was just such a shame that everyone in football missed out on seeing how good this lad really was. “He was unplayable, on his day… Alex Ferguson couldn’t control him, and if Sir Alex couldn’t get the best out of him, back then, then what chance has any manager got?””But when he was on it, and when he was training… it’s just so disappointing that West Ham fans – and the football world, actually – didn’t get to see the real Ravel Morrison.”In 2015 Morrison left the Hammers after loan spells at Birmingham, QPR and Cardiff.He signed for Italian side Lazio and spent the next few years in and out of more loans.The midfielder enjoyed short stints at Sheffield United, and Middlesbrough and ended up following former teammate turned coach Rooney to Derby County and D.C United before retiring in 2023.Collins added: “But as technically gifted players go; players who could do anything with a football, I think Ravel Morrison should’ve been up there playing for one of the top, top clubs in the world.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If he could’ve got everything sorted off the pitch, and maybe concentrated a bit more on his football, then he’d have been top, top drawer. “He really would have been. Technically, he was an unbelievable player.” More

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      Why are Man City not wearing their blue home kit against Inter Milan?

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      MANCHESTER CITY start their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan TONIGHT.Pep Guardiola’s men beat the Italian giants 1-0 in the 2022/23 European Cup final – to lift the iconic trophy for the first time in the club’s history and claim a historic Treble in the process.Manchester City beat Inter Milan in the 2022/23 Champions League finalCredit: AlamyLast season, City were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by eventual winners Real Madrid.Guardiola will be hoping for an improved campaign in Europe this term but face some difficult tests during the new-look league phase.City will take on the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Juventus and PSG after their thrilling opener against Inter at the Etihad this evening.But the Manchester outfit won’t be donning their classic sky blue strip this evening – SunSport has the reason why.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhy are Man City not wearing their blue home kit against Inter Milan?During tonight’s Champions League clash at the Etihad, Man City will wear a special edition fourth strip instead of their regular home colours.The iconic kit marks the 30th anniversary of legendary Oasis album Definitely Maybe, with the design of the kit drawing inspiration from the album cover.Manchester City’s fourth kit draws inspiration from the album cover of Oasis’ Definitely MaybeCredit: Manchester CityThe kit will debut against Inter MilanCredit: Manchester CityThe strip has been named ‘The Definitely City kit’ and will be worn exclusively in select European fixtures.Oasis guitarist and lifelong Man City fan Noel Gallagher was involved in designing the kit.Most read in Champions LeagueSpeaking to City Studios, the legendary musician said: “It’s a proper honour.”When the guys from PUMA approached us at one of the games, I took about five seconds to agree to it.”It’s the same colour palette as the cover of Definitely Maybe. I think it’s unique, but it’s definitely striking and I think it looks great.”When you see people represent your Club, it’s important that they look good.”Definitely Maybe has never lost its magic to me. I just think it’s an amazing snapshot of what we were about.”With the anniversary, I’ve been listening to it a lot more than I would ever listen to it. You know, it makes me smile. They were great times. Really, really great. I mean, it’s spawned a great football kit. So its legacy lives on.” More

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      Inside Coventry City’s dramatic plans for new ‘eco-park’ stadium with SMALLER capacity than current ground

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      COVENTRY CITY unveiled plans to move into a new stadium with a SMALLER capacity than their current home.The Sky Blues previously announced plans to construct a 23,000-seat “eco-park” stadium.Coventry City announced plans to build a new stadium back in 2013Credit: Coventry City FCThe ground would offer a smaller capacity then their current stadiumCredit: Coventry City FCRenderings showed the stunning modern look for the groundCredit: Coventry City FCThe proposal was made in collaboration with Warwick UniversityCredit: Coventry City FCThe Sky Blues currently play at Coventry Building Society ArenaCredit: AlamyThat 23,000-fan capacity is some 10,609 less than their current home, the Coventry Building Society Arena.Coventry have partnered with Warwick University for the plans which would see the stadium built close to the university’s campus.The plans, originally announced back in 2013, were presented as part of a 118-acre scheme with the university which included much more than just a new ground for the Championship outfit.The proposal also detailed transport infrastructure, a rail link, cycling paths, and an eco park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe eco park is supposed to help support and develop a more sustainable future for the university and the club.Renderings from the original announcement showed a sleek exterior to the ground which would be located just outside the city.However, some 11 years on from the initial proposal and there has been no movement on construction of the ground.And club owner Doug King explained last year that a new stadium is “a long way off”, adding that Coventry are likely to be staying at the CBS Arena for the time being.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking to the BBC, he said: “I believe the club should be at the stadium for the foreseeable future. In today’s world, a new stadium is a long way off.”There’s a lot of work that’s been done on that project. It’s not top of my radar right now. Premier League stadium given subtle makeover during international break”The reality is that it’s something for the future, and the priority is the discussions we have with the Frasers Group.”Coventry currently lease their stadium from the Frasers Group, who have owned the ground since October 2022.The company, owned by former Newcastle boss Mike Ashley, agreed a five-year license deal with Coventry last year which will see the Sky Blues stay put until at least 2028.However, doubt has already been cast over whether a move to a new ground will ever come after King previously stated that he wanted Coventry to own the CBS Arena outright.While local councillor Peter Jones hinted that the plans have been ditched altogether when discussing the university eco-park in a town council meeting earlier this year.He said: “They didn’t mention the new football stadium they were talking about a few years ago, which appears to have been dropped.”It appears as though plans could have been scrapped for the moveCredit: Coventry City FCThe Championship outfit are tied down to the CBS Arena until at least 2028Credit: Getty More