Messina, the “magic night” of Spain-Italy at the Coral Garden with Totò Schillaci

John

By John

His are the true “Magic Nights”. They are the ones at Italia ’90 Totò Schillaciprotagonist of the evening at the Coral Garden presented by Salvatore De Maria and with the presence on stage also of Sasa Sullothe captain of Messina who won Serie A in 2004, and the journalist Sergio Magazzù.

Messina was the launching pad for Schillaci who arrived in the national team after the great season with Juventus: «I was just 17 years old when I arrived in Messina in 1982 – Totò recalls – I won two championships and the top scorers’ ranking. An experience that I always carry in my heart, because without Messina I would not have had the same career. I didn’t think I would be called up for that World Cup that we lost by an episode. Why didn’t I take the penalty against Argentina? I was devastated, but maybe it would have been better if I had kicked him.”

The six goals scored by Schillaci in the World Cup scroll by on the giant screen, also told in the book “The goal is everything”: «It’s always nice to see them again – he continues – even if the bitterness remains because we could have won that world championship. Debut with Austria? Luckily the game wasn’t unlocked, otherwise I wouldn’t have entered! Carnevale and Vialli were playing and when Vicini told me “Warm up” I was scared and my legs were shaking and I didn’t even hear the roar of the Olimpico. I’ve had that bit of luck you need in life, it’s those great opportunities that must be exploited.”