The 2003-04 campaign was a season of dramatic highs and ultimate heartbreak for Perugia. The Grifoni secured the UEFA Intertoto Cup before the season began, leading to a respectable run to the UEFA Cup Third Round. However, their Serie A campaign was chaotic and controversial, marked by the bizarre signing of Al-Saadi Gaddafi by firebrand club president Luciano Gaucci. Despite the best efforts of Zé Maria, who netted 7 goals for the club in the league, Perugia finished 15th and were forced into a do-or-die relegation play-off against Fiorentina. They lost the tense two-legged tie 2-1 on aggregate, resulting in a devastating relegation that ended their six-season stay in the Italian top flight and remains a painful chapter in the club’s history.