The 1996-97 campaign saw Fiorentina immediately claim silverware by winning the Supercoppa Italiana against AC Milan. While the Serie A season ended disappointingly in 9th place and marked the end of manager Claudio Ranieri's tenure, La Viola found glory in Europe, reaching the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals, led by the iconic 'Batigol' Gabriel Batistuta, whose 13 league goals proved vital in a year defined by cup success.