Footballer in Need: Former Lazio Player Homeless and Malnourished

A former footballer who played for Palermo and Lazio during the 1980s is now homeless in Sicily.

Maurizio Schillaci also represented Rimini, Licata, Messina and Juventus Stabia during a career that was punctuated by injury issues.

The latter years of his career coincided with his struggles with drug addiction, including cocaine and heroin.

Now, at the age of 62, he is back in his home city of Palermo, but without a home as he and his dog Ciccio are living on the streets.

A group of concerned volunteers have launched a campaign to help the ex-midfielder and his canine companion.

One of the volunteers, Giusy Caldo, recently appealed for more help in a Facebook post.

Caldo wrote: ‘As you know, we are helping Maurizio Schillaci, the homeless man with the dog in Piazza Verdi (Massimo Theater).

‘He is undergoing a health program, tests, etc and we are helping him with the management of his dog.

‘Maurizio is in a state of significant malnutrition. He is tired of eating purchased foods (sandwiches, baked pasta, etc). He told me that he misses the flavours of home and not those of delicatessens.

‘So I ask you… Can we organise shifts and cook a little each, bringing home-made cooked food? If you want to help us, write to me.’

Other locals have volunteered to take care of Schillaci’s dog when he needs to attend hospital appointments.

Schillaci is the cousin of former Italy striker Salvatore Schillaci, who scored six goals at the 1990 World Cup.

The 59-year-old was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and he was again admitted to hospital earlier this month.