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    Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter reveals Italy legend apologised on his deathbed before tragic passing at 59

    ITALY legend Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi’s daughter revealed he apologised to her on his deathbed.The Italia ’90 World Cup hero passed away aged 59 on Wednesday following a battle with colon cancer.Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillachi apologised to his daughter on his deathbedCredit: EPAThe Italy legend passed away on WednesdayCredit: AFPThousands of fans gathered for his funeralHis funeral was held hin his home town of Palermo, SicilySchillachi’s coffin was draped in scarves and shirtsThousands of fans gathered in Palermo for his funeral and his coffin was draped in scarves and football shirts.Schillachi’s daughter Jessica described him as a “hero” and recalled the last few months they spent together, with the former striker diagnosed in 2022.Jessica also revealed her father apologised to her and her brother Mattia on his deathbed.She told Tuttosport: “Three days ago, as my brother Mattia and I were at his bedside, we told him that TV operators were already outside of the hospital..READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He told us: ‘I only care about you’. And he said he was sorry for not being present all the times he would’ve wished, and we would’ve wished.”Jessica also discussed the best memories she shared with her father and a trip she took with him in the summer.She continued: “We talked, we also joked until it was possible. We recalled the best moments in our lives, the ones you’ll never forget, that even death won’t be able to take away from me.“He was a hero in his own way, but he was just a father to me.Most read in Football“I took some days off in July to stay with my dad. We went to Isola delle Femmine; he would’ve wanted to take me on a boat trip, but he was already very tired.“We settled for a bath in the sea and a fish lunch; it was wonderful. You could see he was struggling when he took me back to the airport.“The situation got worse in the last days: my dad started to play a game he knew he would lose.“But he played it until the end, not thinking about him but about all the people he loved, and he’ll keep loving wherever he is now.”Italy legendSchillaci 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.The Palermo-born striker was the World Cup Golden Boot winner during the Italia 90 tournament.His six goals saw him beat footballing legend Diego Maradona to the trophy as Italy finished third in their home tournament.Schillaci, who was virtually unknown outside of Italy prior to the tournament, soon became a household name after netting against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile he also denied England a third-place finish after helping Italy beat the Three Lions in the tournament’s third-place playoff match in Bari.Schillaci retired in 1997, hanging up his boots at Japanese club Jubilo Iwata. More

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    Who is Salvatore Toto Schillaci’s wife Barbara?

    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

    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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    Salvatore ‘Toto’ Schillaci dead at 59: Italy legend who beat Maradona to World Cup Golden Boot dies after cancer battle

    ITALIAN football legend Salvatore Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59.The World Cup Golden Boot winner, affectionately known as “Toto”, had been battling colon cancer since 2022.Salvatore Schillaci has passed away at the age of 59Credit: GettySchillaci had been battling with colon cancerCredit: GettyThe Italian star previously played for JuventusCredit: GettySchillaci had undergone two operations for his cancer since his diagnosis two years ago.The 16-cap Italy international recently sparked concern for his health after he was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.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.The Palermo-born striker was the World Cup Golden Boot winner during the Italia 90 tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis six goals saw him beat footballing legend Diego Maradona to the trophy as Italy finished third in their home tournament.Schillaci, who was virtually unknown outside of Italy prior to the tournament, soon became a household name after netting against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina.While he also denied England a third-place finish after helping Italy beat the Three Lions in the tournament’s third-place playoff match in Bari.Schillaci retired in 1997, hanging up his boots at Japanese club Jubilo Iwata.Most read in FootballSchillaci’s superb careerA brief look at the career of an Italian hero…Club Career1982-1989 – Messina (219 apps, 61 goals)1989-1992 – Juventus (90 apps, 26 goals)1992-1994 – Inter Milan (30 apps, 11 goals)1994-1997 – Jubilo Iwata (86 apps, 58 goals)International CareerCaps: 16Goals: 7Assists: 1Honours 1 x World Cup Golden Boot2 x Uefa Cup winner1 x Italian Cup winner1 x J-League top scorer1 x Serie B top scorerThe Azzuir icon spent the bulk of his career at Sicilian side ACR Messina, where he made 219 appearances and scored 61 goals.Across all four of his clubs, Schillaci made a total of 417 appearances and found the back of the net an impressive 154 times.While he won the UEFA Cup twice, once with Juventus in 1990 and once with Inter in 1994.Schillaci also won the the Italian Cup with Juve in 1990, a year that saw him lift two trophies and win the World Cup Golden Boot.His incredible campaign saw him earn a second place finish in that year’s Ballon d’Or standings.Tributes have poured in for Schillaci given the incredible impact he had on Italian football.Former club Juve wrote: “We immediately fell in love with Totò.”His desire, his story, his being so wonderfully passionate, and it showed in every game he played.”We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did, captivated by those wonderfully energetic celebrations of his.”While Inter Milan posted on social media: “He made an entire nation dream during the Magic Nights of Italia ’90.READ MORE SUN STORIES”FC Internazionale Milano gathers around the Schillaci family for the passing of Totò.”And the Italian national team simply posted: “Ciao Toto. Hero of the Magic Nights.”Schillaci won the World Cup Golden Boot in 1990Credit: Getty – ContributorHe beat Diego Maradona to the prestigious awardCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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    Bundesliga U19 star forced to have leg amputated in gruelling battle with cancer as club start fundraiser

    UNION BERLIN youngster Berkin Arslanogullari has undergone a life-saving leg amputation as he battles bone cancer.The keeper, 19, was diagnosed with the disease a few months ago and began “intensive chemotherapy” to treat the illness.Union Berlin keeper Berkin Arslanogullari has had his leg amputated as he fights bone cancerCredit: Instagram @berkin.arslanogullariHowever, the treatment failed to successfully combat the cancer, forcing doctors to amputate his leg.German top-flight side Union Berlin confirmed on Monday that the procedure had been carried out “a few days ago” as he fights the “toughest battle of his life”.The football club then called on the public to make financial contributions to his family as they look to support Arslanogullari through the horrific ordeal.The statement said: “Due to the care and support required for Berkin, his parents are no longer able to go to work, and the family’s current apartment is not barrier-free or handicapped accessible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”A new apartment or extensive renovation work and the upcoming rehabilitation are urgently needed for a new start in a new life and are causing enormous costs.”Berkin and his family now need the support and solidarity of the Union family.”To ease the financial burden a little and give Berkin the best possible chance for a future full of hope, aFundraiserEvery contribution counts and helps to give Berkin a fresh start.”German shot-stopper Arslanogullari has played for Union’s age group sides since he was a young boy.Most read in BundesligaHe has featured for the Bundesliga outfit’s U17 and U19 teams and was included in two matchday squads for last season’s Uefa Youth League.Fans were quick to pass on emotional messages of support on social media as they prayed for a speedy recovery.One said: “Lots of strength and love! ❤️”Another added: “All the best to him and his family, stand together in this difficult time.”A third replied: “Best recovery and lots of strength 🙏🏼.”While a fourth responded: “I hope he wins the fight 🤞. Get well soon and strength to his family 🙏❤️.” More

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    Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

    ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

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    Former Scotland manager George Burley, 68, diagnosed with cancer as well-wishers back legend

    FORMER Scotland manager and Ipswich Town legend George Burley has been diagnosed with cancer.The 68-year-old, originally from Cumnock in Ayrshire, has vowed to tackle the disease head-on after learning of his diagnosis.George Burley took over from Alex McLeish as Scotland manager in 2008Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun GlasgowHe had a successful tenure at Ipswich Town where he made his name as a managerCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdBurley has been involved in more matches than anybody else in Ipswich’s history as both player and manager.He guided them to the Premier League in 2000 and after successful later spells with Hearts and Southampton, he was given the Scotland job in 2008.Hearts were in top form when Burley was surprisingly sacked after just 12 games in charge at Tynecastle.The Jambos were top of the league after ten matches, having won eight of them, including a 4-0 derby victory over Hibs.Behind the scenes however he had a fractious relationship with the controversial Vladimir Romanov and when the latter made a move to take private control of Hearts, Burley left the club a day later.A statement from Portman Road read: “Ipswich Town Football Club can confirm that legendary former player and manager George Burley is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.“Our thoughts are with George, his wife Jill and their family. It’s always great to see him here in the directors’ box on a matchday and we will do everything we can to support one of our all-time greats, uniquely as both player and manager.”Burley himself said: “After feeling unwell earlier this year, I have recently received a diagnosis and I am taking positive action to fight the disease. Most read in Football”It has been a difficult time, but I am feeling much brighter now. In fact, I am able to get to matches at Portman Road and I am enjoying watching the team playing back in the Premier League.”“We are grateful to the club for the support they have shown me and my family and I would ask that everyone is respectful of our privacy at this time.” Little known rule leaves Scotland and Portugal fans baffled as they say ‘every day is a school day’Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna added: “This club has had some brilliant managers and George is right up there as one of the very best.“It has been a pleasure to get to know George since I arrived at Ipswich. He is a positive and optimistic character, and I know he will also take that attitude into the battle he now faces.“We are all right behind him.” A statement from the SFA read: “Wishing our former Men’s National Team manager George Burley well, as he begins treatment for cancer.”And a Hearts social media post said: “The thoughts and best wishes of everyone at Hearts is with our former manager, George Burley, as he undergoes treatment for cancer.”Another of Burley’s former clubs, Derby, wished him well in a statement.It read: “Sending the club’s best wishes to our former manager George Burley, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.”You have the full support of everyone at Derby County, George.”George Burley factfileBorn: June 3, 1956 in Cumnock, Scotland.Youth Career: Began his football journey with Ayr United’s youth team.Ipswich Town: Joined Ipswich Town in 1972, making his debut at 17.Long Tenure: Spent 12 years at Ipswich Town, amassing over 400 appearances.FA Cup Victory: Part of the Ipswich team that won the FA Cup in 1978.UEFA Cup Triumph: Key player in Ipswich’s UEFA Cup win in 1981.Scotland Caps: Earned 11 caps for the Scottish national team.Sunderland: Transferred to Sunderland in 1985.Gillingham: Played for Gillingham from 1988 to 1989.Motherwell: Stint with Motherwell from 1989 -1991.Colchester United: Ended his playing career at Colchester United in 1994.Transition to Management: Started managerial career with Ayr United in 1991.Ipswich Town Manager: Returned to Ipswich Town as manager in 1994.Promotion to Premier League: Guided Ipswich to the Premier League in 2000.Manager of the Year: Awarded Premier League Manager of the Year in 2001.Derby County: Managed Derby County from 2003 to 2005.Hearts: Took charge of Hearts in 2005 and topped the league after ten games before shock dismissal.Southampton: Managed Southampton from 2008 to 2009.Scotland National Team: Appointed Scotland manager in 2008, a role he held until 2009.Crystal Palace: Managed London club from 2010 to 2011.Foreign adventure: In 2012 he took charge of Cypriot side Apollon Limassol but was sacked after just two games.As a player, Burley played for Ipswich for 12 years before joining Sunderland in 1985.With the Tractor Boys he won the FA Cup in 1979 and the Uefa Cup in 1981.He then turned out for GIllingham, Motherwell, Ayr United, Falkirk and Colchester United before hanging up his boots.Burley won 11 Scotland caps between 1979 and 1982 as a defender.He stepped into coaching with Ayr as player-manager and then had similar roles at Motherwell and Colchester.It was then he returned to Portman Road and would go on to become one of the most successful managers in their history, being named Premier League Manager of the Year in his debut season after taking Ipswich to the top flight, leading them to a fifth-placed finish.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur New YouTube ChannelSubscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…MONDAYGo Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.WEDNESDAYRobert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.FRIDAYGo Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Nancy Dell’Olio will attend Sven-Goran Eriksson’s funeral & admits she ‘never stopped loving’ ex-England boss

    SVEN-Göran Eriksson’s ex-lover Nancy Dell’Olio will attend his funeral this week after making peace with him in his final days.The Italian lawyer shared heartfelt phone calls with the ex-England football coach shortly before his death aged 76 of pancreatic cancer.Sven-Goran Eriksson’s former lover Nancy Dell’Olio will attend his funeralCredit: GettyFormer England manager Eriksson died aged 76 of pancreatic cancerCredit: ReutersTheir relationship had been rocked by his affairs with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson in 2002, and then-FA secretary Faria Alam in 2004. But Nancy, 63, broke down in a ITV interview last month as she told of her pain at the loss of “love of her life” Sven.She will steel herself to fly from her home in Italy to Torsby, Sweden, where hundreds are expected to pay respects on Friday.A source said: “Nancy will be going to the funeral.READ MORE ON SVEN“She never stopped loving Sven and wants to say goodbye properly.“His family and his last girlfriend are aware and OK with it. “Nancy is a very emotional woman and it will be difficult for her but she feels she has to go.”Nancy met Sven in 1998 when he managed Rome side Lazio, and was with him throughout his Three Lions reign from 2001 to 2006.Most read in FootballSven spent his last days at his lakeside retreat at Sunne in western Sweden and died surrounded by his family.Mourners, possibly including Sven’s England captain David Beckham, will attend a church service before speeches and eulogies at a community centre.Sven-Goran Eriksson dies aged 76 after astonishing career spanning decadesThe send-off has been arranged by Sven’s last lover Yaniseth Alcides plus his children Johan, 45, and Lina, 37, from his marriage to Ann-Christine Pettersson.And the family are understood to have extended an invitation to Nancy after she expressed a wish to attend.In an exclusive Sun on Sunday interview in January, days after he made his terminal diagnosis public, Sven said “No, not at all!” when asked if he had spoken to Nancy of his illness.But he and Nancy, once dubbed The First Lady of English Football, reconciled soon after and chatted several times before his death. More