This was Milan's first successful season since 1998–99. Important new arrivals included Italian international centre-back Alessandro Nesta (signed from Lazio for €31 million –Milan's most expensive transfer in the summer of 2002)[2] who strengthened a defence that was already among Europe's most formidable, versatile Dutch international midfielder Clarence Seedorf (signed from cross-city rivals Inter for €29 million)[3] and Danish international striker Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was mainly used to back up regular starters Andriy Shevchenko and Filippo Inzaghi. Brazilian superstar Rivaldo, the most high-profile of the new signings, had a peripheral role in the Serie A, but was influential in the Champions League, appearing in 13 out of 17 matches, although not in the final, where he was an unused substitute.[4]
This season also saw Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti beginning to utilise the unconventional 4–4–2 diamond (or 4–1–2–1–2) formation, which he would continue to employ on many occasions in later seasons.[5] This formation allowed Ancelotti to field both Andrea Pirlo and Rui Costa in the starting eleven, with Pirlo as a deep-lying playmaker or regista and Rui Costa as an attacking midfielder or trequartista; the 4–1–2–1–2 worked well for Milan in large part thanks to the effectiveness, hard work and stamina of central midfielders Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Source: 2002–03 Serie A, Soccerway Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored; 6) Draw. (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).[7] (C) Champions Notes:
Note 1: Torino v Milan was abandoned with 27 minutes to go, after the crowd started to riot.[8] The result was confirmed as 3–0 in favor of Milan by the FIGC. Torino was given a match suspension from playing at home until the end of season.
