Despite two seasons of positive results, Atalanta struggled during the 2002–03 season, experiencing a run of poor results (among them many draws) in the second half of the season. Following a defeat against Perugia, Vavassori was sacked in a desperate attempt to save the club from relegation in the final five matches; he was replaced by Primavera coach . This did not work out, as the club was relegated after losing the relegation playout against Reggina (2–1 on aggregate). At the end of the season, Finardi returned to the Primavera bench, and was replaced as first-team coach by former Vicenza coach Andrea Mandorlini. In the 46-match 2003–04 Serie B campaign, Atalanta enjoyed a 24-match unbeaten run and remained near the top of the standings; the club eventually finished fifth and was promoted to Serie A. Following a poor run of results in Serie A, 7 points from 14 matches culminating in a 1–0 loss against Palermo, Mandorlini was dismissed and Delio Rossi was appointed in his place. The club did not secure Serie A safety that season and returned to Serie B after just one year.