Stephen Carr, co-owner at Sorrento Pizza, ex-Ireland footballer Ray Houghton, Aldi Buying Director Billy Carr, ex-Italian international Toto Schillaci, and Giorgio Lisi, master baker at Sorrento Pizza. Picture: Jeff Harvey
Despite breaking Irish hearts in the Stadio Olympico in 1990, it was one of Salvatore Schillaci’s Irish foes on that night in Rome who led the tributes to the man affectionately known as ‘Toto’.
Ray Houghton, who last spent time with Schillaci during a visit to Ireland two years ago for an appearance at the National Ploughing Championships in County Louth, described him as a humble man that everyone loved.
“Wherever we went, people wanted to come and have pictures with him,” Houghton told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra on spending time with the Italian in Ireland.
“They realised when he scored the goal against us in Italia 90, that was his job.
“We were down there trying to bake a pizza – and it was me who made the best one… I think I just about came on top which you could understand with most of the people there Irish.
“The night before we had a meal together and had a good chat about football. The next day we spent the whole day together and it was fabulous.
“He was a joy to be with and a genuine person who wanted to talk about football”.
‘Toto’ Schillaci of Italy in action against Ray Houghton of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 1990 Quarter-Final match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Speaking to The Sun, Packie Bonner echoed Houghton’s tributes.
“He was a lovely man who played such a huge part in our history. He had an exceptional tournament, not many people beat Maradona to a Golden Boot,” Bonner said.
“Our names will always be linked – maybe not quite for the right reasons! It really is a name that resonates, the minute you hear it you’re straight back to Italia ‘90 and all that.
“It’s a sad day. He will always have a very special place in Irish sporting history. He was a very nice man.”
Ireland stalwart Paul McGrath paid tribute to him with a post on X, which read; “so sad to hear the passing of Italy’s Toto Schillaci, what a player and goal scorer. RIP #respect”.
Italia ’90 hero Toto Schillaci (59) dies in Rome