After a disappointing previous season, Massimo Moratti chose former Valencia coach Héctor Cúper as the coach of rebirth. Cúper managed to line-up a new team, buying players such as Toldo, Materazzi, Kallon and Ventola. Inter had a sprint-start, topping the league and passing several challenges in Europe. 2001 closed with Giuseppe Prisco's death, vicechairman since 1962.