Associazione Calcio Milan did not manage to repeat their successful previous season (1998–99). They failed to defend the Serie A title, finishing in 3rd place behind champions Lazio and runners-up Juventus, and crashed out of the Champions League following a lackluster performance in the First Group Phase. In fact, Milan ended up last in the group, and did not even qualify for the remainder of the UEFA Cup.
New signing Andriy Shevchenko played his first season with the Milanese club, and managed to become the Serie A's top scorer in his debut season in Italy, with 24 goals (29 in all competitions), further enhancing his reputation as a fearsome striker. Other signings proven to be successful were Serginho and Gennaro Gattuso, who would stay at the club for years to come and be eventually introduced into the club's hall of fame.
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: Serie A, RSSSF.com, Soccerway Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored; 6) Draw. (Note: Head-to-head record is used only after all the matches between the teams in question have been played).[2] (C) Champions Notes: