Back in 2000-01, the Italian football scene was a bustling arena, a real cacophony of excellence. AS Roma, the Giallorossi, emerged as the unanticipated victors, causing ripples of euphoria through the Eternal City. Serie A was known for its fierce competition, boasted formidable giants like Juventus, AC Milan, and Lazio, not only clubs but also world class player Crespo, Shevchenko, Vieri, Inzaghi, Zidane and the list goes on Maldini, Nesta, Ronaldo R9. AS Roma’s victory that season was akin to David toppling Goliaths, etching their name in the annals of football history.
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Key Signings in the Summer
Roma’s transfer window that summer was nothing short of a spectacle. The acquisitions of Gabriel Batistuta from Fiorentina €36.m and Walter Samuel from Argentina Boca Juniors €20m fan had really high hope for Batistuta. Jonathan Zebina €18m arrival from Cagliari and Emerson €18m from Bayer Leverkusen further solidified their squad, while Gianni Guigou €4m who joined from Uruguay Nacional in the winter, added depth to their midfield. AS Roma really spent big even tho they finished 6th the season before.
Expectations for AS Roma
Expectations were soaring high in the Roman air that season. It was almost like AS Roma assembled Marvel Avengers, fans were dreaming of Serie A glory. After these impressive signings made by Giallorossi the fan really wanted them to win or or have a title challanage where they can discrown the likes of Juventus and AC Milan. The pressure was immense, but so were the hopes and aspirations of every Romanista.
Key Players During That Season
The backbone of Roma’s triumph was formed by a trio of prolific forwards. Gabriel Batistuta really like to be the main man at Giallorossi, he managed to score 20 goals, Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti each contributing 13 goals. Totti did pretty well this season with13 goals in 30 games. Tommasi was running that midfield along side Zanetti, Zanetti didnt manage any only in Serie A but Tommasi got 3. Samuel was amasing that season made 31 apps and scored 1 goal, he was the bedrock of the defence, with Cafu also with 31 games 1 goal, Candela 33 games 3 goals, these 3 was very solid at the back they didnt get injuried so they had understood each others game very well.
Key Moments During That Season
The season had so many unforgettable moments like when Roma’s blistered past Lecce 4-0 in the 2nd game, set the tone for their title chase. The crucial away win against Juventus, Del Piero & Zidane scored super early 4 and 6 mins in, Juventus was in cruise control, it took Roma until 79th min for Nakata to get one back, then Montella on 90+1′ scored another making the game 2-2 what a comeback this was and an important point in the title challenge. Then, there was the epic 3-2 victory against Inter Milan, Vieri scored first in 9min, then Assunção scored a min later 1-1, Montella scored but just before half time Vieri made it 2-2, Montella on the 87min scored the winner taking all 3 points.
But perhaps the most iconic moment came in the final matchday. Roma hosted Parma, and the city was in a state of frenzy. Roma won the title with a 3-1 win with Totti, Montella and Batistuta getting on to the score sheet, the Stadio Olimpico was going wild with Giallorossi flags. The season was a triumph for AS Roma, it was a story of passion, perseverance, and sheer footballing magic.
Fabio Capello’s Style of Play
Capello’s managerial style was akin to a maestro conducting an orchestra. He had a tactical approach that was both pragmatic and in attack it was devastatingly effective. His teams were known for their disciplined and defensive shape, he instilled a sense of defensive solidity in their mind that made Stadio Olimpico a fortress, not losing once in the league. The midfield was the engine room, where players like Emerson and Cristiano Zanetti patrolled the field with authority, creating a seamless transition from defence to attack. Capello’s teams were not just about winning; they were about winning with style and precision.
In the 2000-01 season, Capello implemented a classic Italian approach, a blend of catenaccio and counter-attacking football. Roma’s defensive line was as firm as the Colosseum’s walls, with experienced defenders like Aldair and Cafu providing the shield in front of the formidable goalkeeper, Francesco Antonioli. The midfield was the heartbeat of the team with Tommasi and Zanetti, they both showed composure and vision serving as the catalyst for their attacks.
Capello’s tactical acumen was pivotal in Roma’s Serie A triumph. His mentally was a key reason why Roma conceded 33 goals, and made Stadio Olimpico their fortress. The counter-attacking strategy, orchestrated by players like Totti and Batistuta, was a nightmare for opposing defences. Capello’s ability to balance defence and attack, while maximizing the strengths of his star-studded squad, was the winning formula. His tactical intelligence turned AS Roma into an irresistible attacking force, allowing them to clinch the title by 2pts ahead of Juventus.
Catch you in the next one.