The 2001-02 campaign was a season of soaring ambition and devastating heartbreak for Inter Milan, as the Nerazzurri, under new coach Héctor Cúper, battled for the Scudetto until the final, dramatic day. Leading the charge with ferocious form was Christian Vieri, whose 22 league goals earned him the Capocannoniere title. Despite topping the table heading into the final match, a crushing 4-2 loss to Lazio saw the title slip away, dropping them to a 3rd-place finish and a spot in the Champions League qualifiers, while the season also saw the emotional return of the legendary Ronaldo from a long-term injury and a run to the UEFA Cup Semi-finals, making it a truly unforgettable, if painful, chapter.