The smell of damp earth and liniment oil filled the Artemio Franchi locker room as Pablo Lombardi pinned a photo to the wall: the 2003-2004 calendar, marked in red from August to May. This wasn't just another season. It was the beginning of the end of an era.
Kaká, now 21 with the weight of the world on his shoulders, quietly adjusted his shin guards. Beside him, Del Piero watched the rain lash against the windows while massaging his left knee—the same one that had betrayed him in Turin years ago.
"They look at us like we're invincible," the Italian whispered. "But even gods fall, Ricardo."
The Brazilian lifted his gaze to the violet crest above the door.
"Then let's fall fighting."
The Weight of the Crown
The season began with a warning:
European Super Cup – Fiorentina vs. Porto
August 29, 2003 – Stade Louis II
12': Kaká spun Carvalho with a pirouette and assisted Vieri. 1-0.
44': Deco equalized with a free-kick Buffon fingertipped.
89': Del Piero missed a penalty that would've won it.
Mourinho, then Porto's coach, approached Pablo post-match:
"Your players are afraid to lose. That's more dangerous than any opponent."
The Perfect Storm
October 2003 brought the first real crisis:
Pirlo tore his soleus muscle.
Xavi battled a lingering groin injury.
Ramos suspended for three matches.
The lowest point came in the Champions League:
Group Stage – Fiorentina 1-3 Bayern Munich
October 22, 2003
Ballack dominated midfield like a titan.
Kaká, man-marked by Jeremies, vanished.
Buffon fumbled against Roy Makaay.
Pablo gathered the team and played a five-minute clip: footage of their 1999 treble, followed by recent headlines: "Dynasty Cracks," "Without Pirlo, They're Ordinary."
Ramos shattered the silence by kicking a water bottle:
"Enough pity! Did we turn old overnight?"
The Rebirth
November 2003. Fiorentina faced Juventus missing three key players. Pablo responded with a bold 4-2-3-1:
Kaká as a free-roaming #10.
Del Piero and Jankulovski on the wings.
Ramos and Nesta marshaling defense.
23': Kaká turned Tacchinardi and curled it in. 1-0.
67': Del Piero, against his former club, headed in Jankulovski's cross. 2-0.
Buffon was flawless.
Night of Cold Stars
Champions League Round of 16
March 10, 2004 – Emirates Stadium
Arsenal 1-2 Fiorentina
11': Henry capitalized on Ramos' error. 1-0.
45+1': Kaká equalized with a 25-meter rocket.
89': Subbed-on Del Piero assisted Vieri's winner.
Wenger, impressed, sought Kaká afterward:
"You're the best attacking midfielder I've seen since Zidane."
The Brazilian, drenched in sweat, replied:
"It's not me, Mr. Wenger. It's the system."
The Price of Glory
May 2004. Fiorentina faced Abramovich's Chelsea in the Champions League final:
12': Lampard's left-footed strike. 0-1.
45+1': Kaká played a one-two with Xavi to equalize.
89': Del Piero, in his last great moment, scored the winner from a free-kick. 2-1.
During celebrations, Pablo found Kaká weeping in the locker room:
"Why the tears, son?"
"Because I know it'll never be like this again."
Pablo glanced at the three trophies and whispered:
"Cycles end, Ricardo. But legacies... those are eternal."
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