The 1998-99 campaign delivered a dramatic and memorable survival for Venezia as Leoni alati, in their return to the top flight, surged to an 11th-place finish in Serie A. The team, guided by the crucial 12 goals of veteran striker Filippo Maniero, overcame a disastrous start with a sensational second-half comeback. This resurgence was fueled by the inspired performances of loanee Álvaro Recoba and was immortalized by Maniero's spectacular, acrobatic back-heel goal against Empoli, a moment that secured their Serie A status and made it an unforgettable chapter for the club.. The 1999-00 campaign was a turbulent year for Venezia as Leoni alati ultimately suffered relegation to Serie B after finishing a disappointing 16th in Serie A. Despite the chaos of rotating through three different head coaches, the team showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with a memorable run to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. Leading the line was the dependable Filippo Maniero, whose 9 crucial goals anchored the attack, including a decisive winner in a shock 1-0 home victory against AC Milan. This season, marked by their distinctive cult-classic black third kit, remains a dramatic, defining chapter in the club's modern history.