Bolstered by the signings of players like Antonio Cassano, Christian Panucci, and Lima, AS Roma kicked off the 2001-02 season determined to retain the title won stylishly the previous season.

Ultimately Fabio Capello’s team went very close: a long unbeaten run between September and March, including a 5-1 derby win over Lazio, and the goals of Montella and Totti meant Roma were still in contention going into the very last round of fixtures. Roma defeated Torino, but with Juventus also winning, the giallorossi had to settle for the runners-up spot.