The 2000-01 campaign delivered a strong season for Parma as Il Crociati finished a competitive 4th in Serie A, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. Leading the charge was the prolific striker Marco Di Vaio, whose 15 league goals (20 overall) proved vital in a season that also saw the team reach the Coppa Italia final. Amidst a turbulent year that saw three different managers, this campaign is perhaps most memorable as the final one for both superstar Gianluigi Buffon and legendary defender Lilian Thuram before their high-profile moves to Juventus, marking the end of an iconic era.