Inter hoped to improve from past seasons;[1] goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi was replaced by Frenchman Sébastien Frey ten years his junior, while Fabio Macellari did the same with Grigorios Georgatos on the left side of defence.

[1] The burden of scoring was given to Hakan Şükür and Robbie Keane,[1] waiting for Vieri's recovery and Ronaldo's return.

[8] In the rest of season Inter suffered further blows: a 6–1 defeat to Parma and a second European flop, against Alavés in the UEFA Cup.

[13] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.