The 2001-02 campaign was a season of pivotal transition for Rossoneri as Fatih Terim was replaced early on by Carlo Ancelotti, who steered the side to a crucial 4th-place finish in Serie A, securing Champions League qualification. Leading the line was the prolific Andriy Shevchenko, whose 14 league goals proved vital in a campaign built on a late surge and the debut of future legend Andrea Pirlo alongside veteran Paolo Maldini. It was a foundational year that marked the beginning of the club's next golden era.