The 2003-04 campaign saw Bologna, under the veteran guidance of new manager Carlo Mazzone, secure a respectable 12th-place finish in Serie A. Leading the line for the Rossoblu was Claudio Bellucci, whose 7 goals proved vital in a season built on the experience of stars like Giuseppe Signori in his final Serie A campaign and the defensive promise of Cristian Zaccardo. It was a transitional year that provided stability for the club in the top flight, avoiding the drop in a season that marked the end of an era for Italian legends.