The 2003–04 season started with a lot of issues: despite assembling an expensive squad, Inter got poor results in the domestic league (two wins, three draws and a loss in derby) and Héctor Cúper was sacked. In order to replace him, Alberto Zaccheroni was appointed coach before eventually finishing fourth in the league. Inter's campaign in the Champions League, however, resulted in failure: they didn't manage to get past the group stage, despite a historical win over Arsenal (0-3 in Highbury).
In January 2004, Massimo Moratti decided to leave his position of chairman, to be replaced by former player Giacinto Facchetti, who remained as chairman until his death on 4 September 2006.
Players
Squad information
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: Almanacco Illustrato del Calcio – La Storia 1898-2004, Panini Edizioni, Modena, September 2005 Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) tiebreaker for relevant positions 3) head-to-head points and goal difference; 4) head-to-head goals scored; 5) goal difference; 6) number of goals scored.
^Inter did not disclose the exact amount until they submitted an attached "Player identification table" into the 2008–09 statutory financial filing in CCIAA, which showed Adriano's value as €32.2 million and Dejan Stanković's as €6.165 million. According to old accounting standards, the €32.2 million consisted of €8.8 million the value of retained half, plus the bought back value actually paid to Parma, and other cost that could be capitalized (if any). Adriano plus Stanković matched the amount in Relazione sulla Gestione (Sports Report) of 2003–04 filing: €38,517,898, and the amount reported by La Repubblica for Adriano only (about €23 million).21 January 2004[7]
