Scudetto lost at last-minute in May shocked the summer, with Ronaldo that decided - between gossip and rumors - to leave Inter. He was replaced by Hernán Crespo after club had already take Fabio Cannavaro, Matias Almeyda and Domenico Morfeo. Crespo, along with Vieri, build attacking duo. Former Lazio player resulted essential in Europe while Vieri used to score in domestic games. Their partnership worked until Crespo took an injury, which knocked him out for several weeks. Without him, despite replaced by Batistuta, Inter lost some key gamess. One of these was against Juventus who, winning head-to-head match, could finally aim the title.

Inter anyway managed to enter in Champions League quarter-finals, after passing second group phase. His opponent was Valencia, beaten 1–0 at home. A 2–1 defeat in Spain had no effect on qualification, thank to away goals rule. As Crespo was again available, Vieri injured: he retained title of league best scorer, with 24 goals. Inter broke his dreams in semifinals, giving up to Milan due to Shevchenko's goal in retour match, equalized by Martins, for a 1–1 aggregate that gave rossoneri the final. Busy in European hopes, side collected too draws in league that stuck it behind Juventus who won title, the second in row.

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

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Wikipedia