Views: 49

Exactly 24 years ago, on June 17, 2001, Fabio Capello’s Roma won their third Scudetto, perhaps the most beautiful one.

The Giallorossi, in the final match of the 2000/2001 Serie A, defeated Parma in a packed Olimpico stadium, already ready to start a grand celebration.

28.05.2017. Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy. Last match of Francesco Totti. Francesco Totti in action during the match Roma vs Genoa.

A Sparkling Year in Rome

Using a highly resonant line from a movie released in 2000, let’s start our story. The movie was “Gladiator“, directed by Ridley Scott and starring a brilliant Russell Crowe. The quote is spoken by Crowe’s character: “There was a dream that was Rome, it will be realized!”. Inspired by these words, the Roma fans continued until June 17, 2001, when Serie A returned to Roma. The trophy had been missing from the cabinet for 18 years.

To champion the cause of winning the Scudetto, an excellent coach was chosen: Fabio Capello. The Friulian coach had already won 4 Italian championships with Milan and a Spanish Liga with Real Madrid. This was his second year as Roma’s coach, already familiar with the club from his playing days in the late sixties.

In the summer of 2000, the arrivals of Batistuta, Samuel, and Emerson completed a highly competitive squad. The 2000/01 season was lived at the top of the table, dictating terms everywhere and dominating opponents with brilliant play. The final day arrived with a two-point lead over the closest pursuer, Juventus. The last hurdle between Roma and the title was Parma. The yellow and blue had nothing left to ask for in the season.

Roma-Parma: A Scudetto Chronicle

For this decisive clash, coach Capello lined up: Antonioli, Zebina, Samuel, Zago, Cafu, Tommasi, Emerson, Candela, Totti, Batistuta, Montella. Parma countered with: Buffon, Thuram, F. Cannavaro, P. Cannavaro, Sartor, Almeyda, Sensini, Falsini, Fuser, Milosevic, Di Vaio.

Refereeing the contest was Mr. Braschi from Prato. The game started with Roma immediately on the attack, coming close to scoring in a couple of occasions. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute. Candela received from Tommasi and, after winning a challenge, played a ball to Totti who, with a powerful shot, found the net behind Buffon. Roma took the lead.

Parma reacted with former Lazio players Almeyda, Di Vaio, Sensini, and Fuser, hoping to spoil the Giallorossi’s celebration. Then, in the 39th minute, Emerson picked up the ball in Roma’s half and released Batistuta on a lightning-fast counterattack. The Argentine entered the box and shot, with Buffon parrying the ball right to “Aeroplanino” Montella who finished it off. Roma doubled their lead. Despite the fans celebrating, the players on the field remained focused. Coach Capello, rightly, did not allow any drop in intensity.

Roma continued to press in the second half, seeking a third goal to seal the contest. And so, in the 78th minute, the third member of the Giallorossi attack, Batistuta, also joined the celebration. The Argentine scored his 20th goal of the season, making it difficult to contain the Roma party.

However, Marco Di Vaio attempted to respond, scoring a goal for Parma just four minutes after Batistuta’s goal. The Roma fans, however, seemed undeterred, to the point that – two minutes later – they invaded the pitch. While it was a beautiful sight, the game was not over yet. After 13 minutes, order was restored in order to resume play.

At the exact 90th minute, without any added time (Parma lacked the strength and motivation to attempt a comeback), the referee Braschi blew the final whistle. Roma-Parma was history. “Thank you Roma” blared from the speakers at full volume: let the Giallorossi party begin.

A Well-Deserved, Hard-Fought Scudetto

The final result was a 3-1 victory that left no doubt: Roma ruled the championship and the Roman people went wild with joy, flooding the streets of the capital. “90% credit to the coach, 90% to the players, and believe me, the math works perfectly…” these were the words of President Sensi after the match. His Roma had dominated the tournament and was rightfully receiving praise from the football world. “The other teams didn’t lose this championship, we won it…” commented coach Capello, who continued: “…This Scudetto was perhaps the toughest because winning in Rome is not easy…”. Once upon a time… it will happen again.