Associazione Sportiva Roma failed to defend their 2001 Serie A title, and had to settle for second best, whilst being beaten by Juventus. Its main target for the season was to win the UEFA Champions League, which it failed when it got knocked out in the second group stage, rendering better form in the league when it did not have to rest players in those matches anymore. The season highlight was a crushing 5–1 win over city rivals Lazio.