The 2002-03 campaign delivered a season of heartbreak and eventual relegation for Atalanta, as La Dea finished 15th in Serie A, a position that forced them into a devastating play-off against Reggina which they ultimately lost. Despite the close points total that was only four points shy of a top-half finish, the club dropped to Serie B. Leading the charge was the talismanic Cristiano Doni, whose 10 goals in the league were a rare bright spot in a tumultuous year that marked the loss of key players and a temporary end to their Serie A stint.