Fabio Capello shocked the brand new, 20-team Serie A by ditching Roma for Juventus through the summer season of 2004 however the transfer labored out splendidly nicely for the Bianconeri, who received the higher of their new coach’s former membership, Milan, in an epic title race.
Certainly, the Scudetto was successfully determined by a head-to-head at San Siro with 4 rounds remaining, when the Previous Girl prevailed 1-0 due to David Trezeguet. Juve’s triumph, although, owed a lot to their wonderful dealings within the switch market.
After two dreadful seasons at Inter, Fabio Cannavaro re-established himself as one of many world’s most interesting defenders alongside the category act of Lilian Thuram. Emerson proved a wonderful addition to the midfield, whereas Zlatan Ibrahimovic top-scored for the Bianconeri after arriving with an enormous status – and a fair larger ego – from Ajax.
Capello performed a pivotal function in all three’s seamless integration into the facet and it was the coach who was actually the star of Juve’s season.
CHANGES
Capello’s choice to abscond to Turin induced uproar in Rome, notably when he subsequently persuaded Emerson to hitch him at Juve. Regardless of their monetary issues, the Giallorossi have been initially reluctant to sanction the sale of considered one of their finest gamers to their most hated rivals, however the capital membership acquiesced after the midfielder produced a medical certificates claiming he had been left clinically depressed by the deadlock.
Nonetheless, Juve’s finest little bit of enterprise was convincing Inter to provide them Cannavaro in trade for reserve goalkeeper Fabian Carini, with each gamers inexplicably valued at €10m.
Inter’s gambles on Juan Sebastian Veron and Edgar Davids didn’t repay both, however new coach Roberto Mancini’s choice to take Sinisa Mihajlovic with him from Lazio was totally vindicated, whereas the signing of Esteban Cambiasso on a free switch from Actual Madrid was a masterstroke.
Milan shrewdly took Hernan Crespo on mortgage from Chelsea however Lyon playmaker Vikash Dhorasoo was much less profitable at San Siro.
Philippe Mexes would additionally become a wonderful addition for Roma however Auxerre legally challenged his free switch to the Stadio Olimpico, leading to a suspension for the centre-half and the Giallorossi having to ultimately pay €7m to the French facet. The entire affair typified the chaotic and calamitous nature of Roma’s season.
SEASON SUMMARY
Any probability of a restoration of stability at Roma after a summer season of unrest disappeared when Cesare Prandelli stepped down on September 12 to take care of his unwell spouse.
Rudi Voller and Luigi Delneri each got here and went earlier than Bruno Conti saved the anticipated title challengers from one of many greatest relegation battles Serie A had ever seen. Certainly, by the season’s finish, there have been simply three factors separating Roma in eighth from relegated Bologna in 18th!
The title race was additionally on a knife edge for nearly the complete season. The Rossoneri suffered back-to-back defeats in January, to Livorno and Bologna, just for the Bianconeri do do likewise in February, dropping at residence to Sampdoria after which away to Palermo.
Juve, who had by no means trailed on factors, then misplaced 1-0 at residence to Inter in April and that meant that when the highest two met on the Giuseppe Meazza on Might 8, Milan have been in pole place due to a purpose distinction that was one superior to their title rivals. Subsequently, Juve wanted to win, they usually did simply that, with Trezeguet getting the one purpose of the sport.
Milan capitulated, drawing their ultimate three video games, because the Bianconeri reclaimed the Scudetto with one spherical to spare. It was clear by that stage that the Rossoneri had already turned their consideration to the Champions League ultimate however they’d endure heartbreak in Istanbul, as they blew a 3-0 lead earlier than dropping on a well-known conflict with Liverpool on penalties.
AWARDS
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
ALBERTO GILARDINO
A 12 months after claiming the younger participant prize, the prolific Parma striker landed the highest gong after netting 23 targets for the second successive season.
MANAGER OF THE SEASON
FABIO CAPELLO
It could not have been a well-liked selection at Roma however the Juventus boss was a worthy winner, regardless that Roberto Mancini had earned widespread reward for ending third with Inter and profitable the Coppa Italia.
TOP GOALSCORER
CRISTIANO LUCARELLI – 24 GOALS
After firing Livorno again into Serie A, the left-leaning striker had the season of his life in 2004-05, scoring 24 occasions to cement his standing as a neighborhood legend.
GOAL OF THE SEASON
If there was one purpose which underlined simply why ADRIANO was thought-about the brand new Ronaldo it was his excellent solo effort in opposition to Udinese, when the Inter striker set off from inside his personal half and beat three males earlier than firing residence.
MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFER
Emerson
Roma to Juventus
€28m
KEY MOMENT OF THE SEASON
Gennaro Gattuso appeared to have snuffed out the hazard when he blocked Alessandro Del Piero’s cross within the twenty seventh minute of Milan’s decisive assembly with Juve however the No.10 overhead-kicked the ball again into the realm, the place Trezeguet nodded residence crucial purpose of the season.
