The 2001-02 campaign delivered ultimate heartbreak for Hellas Verona as the Gialloblu spectacularly burnt out, finishing a crushing 15th in Serie A and suffering relegation on the final match day despite a squad brimming with emerging talent. Leading the charge was the clinical young forward Adrian Mutu, whose 12 goals were not enough to save the team's top-flight status. It was a turbulent year that marked the end of the club's Serie A stay, defined by their failure to capitalize on a strong start and the painful, unforgettable sight of rivals Chievo winning the first-ever top-flight Verona derby's return match.