After a disappointing previous season, Massimo Moratti chose Héctor Cúper as the coach of rebirth. Cúper managed to line-up a new team, buying players such as Toldo, Materazzi, Kallon and Ventola. Inter had a sprint-start, topping the league and passing several challenges in Europe. 2001 closed with Giuseppe Prisco's death, vicechairman since 1962.

In the second part of season, Inter showed signs of exhaustion: 1–2 home loss to Atalanta was followed, on Thursday, from European elimination. Before the last league game, against Lazio, Inter was still at the top with one point over Juventus and two over Roma. In the first half, Inter scored twice, but both goals were equalized by Lazio's Poborsky. During second half of the match, Lazio - still in race for a UEFA Cup spot - scored another two goals, eventually winning the match. Inter fell to third place, enough to qualify for next season's Champions League playoff. Lazio-Inter also marked Ronaldo's last appearance with Inter.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

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