The moment that changed Schillaci’s life came on 9 June 1990 as Italy struggled to break down Austria in their first game in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, when he met Gianluca Vialli’s right-wing cross to rise and power home a 79th-minute header just three minutes after coming on as substitute.

Schillaci raced off towards the touchline, almost in disbelief, pumping his arms out wide and staring wide-eyed, lost in the ecstasy of celebration. He looked like he would not stop running until he was brought to a halt, swamped by elated Italy team-mates.

An unlikely superstar was born.

Vicini resisted the temptation to start Schillaci, who came on as a substitute in the narrow win over the USA, but bowed to national demands to play the tough Sicilian alongside the great Roberto Baggio against the Czechoslovakia.

Schillaci and Baggio both scored in a 2-0 win and were soon hailed as a dream ticket, the headline on the front of Gazzetta Dello Sport reading: “Italy in delirium with Schillaci and Baggio. How beautiful you are.”

The remarkable tale continued with Schillaci scoring one and making another for Aldo Serena as Uruguay were beaten in the last 16. He ended the Republic of Ireland’s superb World Cup campaign at the quarter-finals stage with the decisive strike in a 1-0 win, also scoring against Argentina in the last four only for the dream to die as Italy went out on penalties.

Italia ’90 ended on a personal high as he scored a late penalty as the hosts beat England 2-1 to secure third place. He was the recipient of a generous gesture from Baggio, who stepped aside as penalty taker to give Schillaci the chance to end as the tournament’s top scorer ahead of Czech Republic striker Tomas Skuhravy.

Baggio’s decision showed that Schillaci’s down-to-earth personality and selfless playing style had made him a figure as popular with his Italy team-mates as he was with the rest of the world.

As far as Italy was concerned, Schillaci was now immortal, forever recognised in his home country, with stories of children and animals – including thoroughbred horses – named after the man who started his career being paid £1.50 a goal for a local amateur side.

Two hours after the mass brawl erupted at the T-Mobile Arena, White explained later that three of the Russian’s team were arrested and later released.

“I’m so disappointed,” said White. “I’m one of the guys who has worked 18 years to get this sport where it is today.”

Mixed martial arts – the UFC – was banned in 36 US states in the mid-nineties and forced underground. White has been part of a small team helping the sport gain recognition in the mainstream.

“The thing was trending to be number one or two of all time on pay-per-view and this is how it ends,” he said of the fight league, whose estimated worth is $7 billion. “It’s bad for the brand, it’s bad for the sport, it’s bad for both fight camps. I don’t know how anyone can come out looking good from this.”

White said the Nevada State Commission, which sanctioned the contest, has withheld 30-year-old Nurmagomedov’s purse – $2 million – pending an investigation. McGregor was to be paid his, added White.

The Nevada State governor, who was at the contest, is likely to call for an investigation and the Nevada State Athletic Commission could suspend Nurmagomedov’s licence to fight.

White added: “Police officers were getting punched, security guys were getting punched. I actually think police and security did an incredible job. Khabib jumped over the cage like one of those Parkour guys. What are you expected to do?

“What he should have done was walk over, pick Conor up and say some great things to one of other. Whatever you think of Conor, at least respect the guy. I don’t like it and don’t want to ever be in that position again.

“It’s a great sport with great athletes and this is not how we conduct ourselves.”

This was a black eye for the sport. On a night when the most eyes in its 25-year history were watching.

After a drawn T20 series between England and Australia, it is time for the one-day internationals.

There are five matches between 19 and 29 September – and the last time that happened between the two sides was 2018.

England won 5-0, but how well do you remember that series?

We’ve put together 10 questions, good luck!

UFC 308 continues to deepen.

The most recent addition is a three-round bantamweight bout. Said Nurmagomedov will take on Daniel Santos at the Oct. 26 pay-per-view event at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the promotion recently announced.

Nurmagomedov (18-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) will return almost exactly one year to the date from his previous fight. His most recent appearance was a 73-second submission win over Muin Gafurov on Oct. 21, 2023. The victory moved him to 4-1 in his most recent five.

Santos (11-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) aims to extend his winning streak to three after consecutive victories against John Castaneda and Johnny Munoz.

It just keeps getting better! 👊

Said Nurmagomedov vs Daniel Santos & @FaridBOfficial vs @VictorStriker0 have been added to #UFC308 #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/KLpVYpgQGy

— UFC (@ufc) September 18, 2024

With the addition, the UFC 308 fight card includes:

• Champion Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – for featherweight title
• Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker
• Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov
• Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic
• Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan
• Dan Ige vs. Lerone Murphy
• Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
• Rafael dos Anjos vs. Geoff Neal
• Ibo Aslan vs. Raffael Cerqueira
• Brunno Ferreira vs. Abus Magomedov
• Myktybek Orolbai vs. Mateusz Rebecki
• Ismail Naurdiev vs. Bruno Silva
• Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Justin Tafa
• Said Nurmagomedov vs. Daniel Santos

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.

Southampton manager Russell Martin said he “didn’t think” his players were interested in striking after their promotion to the Premier League.

He said: “We’ve gone from 50 games to 38 and a couple of cup games so I think our lads will be delighted.”

But he did add: “I think something’s going to give at some point. I think that will be that the quality will be diluted at the top level.

“The top players… you’ll see less of them because of injuries, so I think he [Rodri] has a very good point and I think it needs to be looked at – the welfare of the guys playing internationals and the Champions League.”

Ross Meadows, head of employment at law firm Oury Clark, said: “In practice, I think this will be a last resort if co-ordinated through the Professional Footballers’ Association or Fifpro as there are significant legal hurdles to overcome to have a lawful strike, including a ballot to all members and notice to the Premier League clubs.

“The PFA, for example, typically seeks to resolve disputes through negotiations rather than strikes. Historically, football players have avoided strike action in favour of collective bargaining and pressure through their union.”

Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart said on BBC Radio 5 Live that Rodri and Alisson were “just speaking from their hearts”.

“Two players there that are going to speak honestly,” he said. “They’re not rash guys, they’re not guys who sensationalise everything. I’m sure they just answered questions.

“Rodri, in particular, was asked whether they’re close to going on strike. I don’t think in the forefront of his mind was thinking ‘you know what we are up to… that is actually the plan’.

“He is just saying that at some point they’re going to have to stand up for themselves because it is a lot of football.”