In 2003–04, Associazione Calcio Milan managed to claim their first Serie A title since 1998–99. Arguably, this was the pinnacle of Carlo Ancelotti's Milan side, as the players proved they had the ability to perform effectively for the whole season.
Roma both scored more and conceded fewer goals than Milan, but the effectiveness the Milanese showed in tight matches ensured their winning margin was edged out to a stable 11 points. The title was sealed against Roma at home, with a goal by Andriy Shevchenko proving enough for a 1–0 win.
In the Champions League, Milan failed to defend their European title, as they were knocked out in the quarter-finals, losing 4–0 to Deportivo La Coruña in the second leg, after they had won 4–1 at home.
Individually, the biggest surprise was how the Brazilian trequartistaKaká seamlessly found his way into the Italian game, being a key player in Milan's success. The other two arrivals, Cafu and Giuseppe Pancaro, also integrated well with the team. Andriy Shevchenko was crowned as European Footballer of the Year on the back of his successful season. Tactically, Ancelotti used two different formations throughout the season; the 4–4–2 diamond (or 4–1–2–1–2) and the 4–3–2–1.
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. (C) Champion
105+3
Milan
Celta Vigo
Club Brugge
90+1
39
37
Sparta Prague