On 17 June 2001, the streets of Rome erupted in uncontainable joy. AS Roma had just secured the Serie A title β only the third in their history β with a 3β1 victory over Parma on the final day of the season. It was a moment that defined a generation, etched forever into the hearts of Giallorossi supporters.
More than just a title win, it was the culmination of a dream season under Fabio Capello, driven by world-class stars and unwavering passion from the Roman faithful.
β½ The Match: Roma vs Parma
Stadio Olimpico was a sea of red and yellow, filled to capacity and spilling into the surrounding streets. Roma entered the final day knowing that a win would crown them champions, with Juventus breathing down their necks just two points behind.
Capelloβs Roma didnβt flinch.
17/06/01 - Roma 3-1 Parma πpic.twitter.com/3NqPsyXbYW
β My Greatest 11 (@MyGreatest11) June 17, 2023
Francesco Totti, the eternal symbol of the club, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a composed finish inside the box, sending the crowd into ecstasy. Totti β then just 24 β had captained the side with maturity beyond his years throughout the campaign.
Just eight minutes later, Vincenzo Montella doubled Romaβs lead, turning in a low cross as the Olimpico rocked with belief. Then came the icing on the cake: a third goal from Gabriel Batistuta, the Argentine legend whose signing the previous summer proved to be the final piece in Romaβs puzzle. His thunderous strike in the 78th minute was the exclamation point on a title-clinching performance.
Parma managed a late consolation through Di Vaio, but the result was never in doubt.
π¨ Romaβs 2000/01 Title-Winning Line-Up
The spine of this team was exceptional β a blend of hardened veterans, dazzling flair, and true Roman passion. With Cafu rampaging down the right, Samuel and Aldair marshalling the defence, Emerson controlling midfield, and Batistuta, Montella, and Totti leading the line, Roma were both tough and thrilling to watch.
Manager Fabio Capello deserves immense credit for building a balanced side that could play with style but also grind out results. This was a team with leaders across the pitch β and the belief to go all the way.
π₯ Scudetto Glory: A Title 18 Years in the Making
Roma had not won a Scudetto since 1983, and the wait made this triumph even sweeter. The 2000/01 campaign saw them fend off Juventus, Lazio, and Inter in a tense title race, with key moments including Batistutaβs winner against Juve in Turin and Tottiβs inspirational displays at the Olimpico.
The final day wasnβt just about winning a football match β it was about lifting a city. Fans poured into Circo Massimo, climbed monuments, and celebrated in the fountains as Rome turned into a giant Giallorossi party.
β€οΈ Legacy of the 2000/01 Roma Team
That squad is still revered today. For many, it's the last truly golden moment before years of heartbreak and near-misses. Totti would go on to become a club icon and symbol of loyalty, but 2000/01 remains his most glorious triumph.
It wasn't just a team that won the league β it was a team that gave Roma fans their identity back.