Italy bids emotional farewell to Totò Schillaci

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 20 - Fans, family and friends bid an emotional farewell to former Inter, Juventus and Italy striker Totò Schillaci at his funeral in Palermo cathedral on Friday.
    The 59-year-old, who had been in treatment for several years for colon cancer, died in the Sicilian capital's Civico hospital on Wednesday.
    He is best remembered as the hero of the national team's 'magical nights' at the Italia '90 World Cup, when he was top scorer with six goals.
    "The father called you up for the match of the heart, the match that will never end, that has made you part of the most beautiful team in the world, which is called heaven," said Monsignor Filippo Sarullo in his homily.
    Around 1,000 people were present inside the cathedral with many others outside.
    The mourners included Italian Soccer Federation President Gabriele Gravina, Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla and Schillaci's former Inter and Italy team mate Beppe Bergomi, along with many other ex-footballers.
    "He was the hero of all of us," said Bergomi.
    "Whenever we met up, even if it was after a long time, the deep friendship remained.
    "The year and a half that he was at Inter was intense.
    "But his goal against Austria (at Italia '90) remains in my mind - he came to hug me (after scoring).
    "Young people want everything immediately, but they need to work hard and Totò was an example in this regard". (ANSA).