The 2003-04 campaign delivered an unexpected, yet vital, immediate return to the top flight for Atalanta as La Dea finished a respectable 5th in Serie B. This crucial promotion to Serie A was secured thanks to the Italian top division's expansion from 18 to 20 teams, giving a last-minute reprieve to the side that had faltered after Christmas. Spearheading the successful campaign were joint top goalscorers Igor Budan and the veteran Carmine Gautieri, who each netted 11 goals. It was a defining year that saw the club immediately re-establish their place among the elite.