Schillaci, who played for clubs including Juventus and Inter, had been taken to hospital in Palermo last week, and a hospital statement a day later said he was receiving treatment to stabilise his heartbeat. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022.
The news has triggered an outpouring of grief across Italy, with tributes already pouring in for the former striker. He leaves behind his wife Barbara and his three children Jessica, Mattia and Nicole.
