The summer of 2004 arrived with an uneasy silence in Florence. The city, accustomed to celebrations, now breathed nostalgia. Pablo Lombardi knew the cycle was ending. Kaká, just 22 years old, already carried the weight of being the beacon of a fading era.
In the locker room, Buffon adjusted his captain's armband and looked at his teammates:
"This isn't the year of goodbyes. It's the year of greatness."
The Farewell of the Titans
Preseason began with news that shook Italian football: Alessandro Del Piero announced his retirement for June 2005. Fiorentina's number 10 would play his final season.
"I don't want a tribute," he told Pablo. "I want a Champions League."
Their first official match sent a message to the world:
Italian Super Cup – Fiorentina 2-0 Milan
August 21, 2004 – San Siro
34': Kaká received between the lines, turned Gattuso with a hip swivel, and fired into the corner.
88': Del Piero, subbed on late, sealed the win with a majestic free-kick.
Ancelotti was clear in the press conference:
"They lost Zidane, but Kaká is now the best in the world."
The Youth Rebellion
With Pirlo and Xavi injured, Pablo gave chances to backups. One name stood out: Matías Fernández, an 18-year-old Chilean signed from Colo-Colo for €5 million.
His Serie A debut was a revelation:
Fiorentina 4-1 Lazio
September 12, 2004
22': Stole the ball in midfield, drove 40 yards, and slipped a pass to Vieri.
67': Scored his first goal with a left-footed strike from the edge of the box.
Pablo embraced him afterward:
"That number 14 will be yours."
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
The Champions League pitted them against Mourinho's Chelsea in the Round of 16.
First Leg: Chelsea 1-1 Fiorentina
February 23, 2005
11': Lampard opened the scoring.
89': Kaká equalized with a header from Jankulovski's cross.
Second Leg: Fiorentina 3-0 Chelsea
March 9, 2005
18': Fernández stunned Čech with a free-kick.
45+1': Del Piero scored his final European goal.
77': Kaká sealed the tie with a solo effort.
A furious Mourinho admitted:
"They've created a monster. And that Brazilian is its engine."
The Last Tango
The Champions League Final paired them against Ronaldinho's Barcelona.
May 25, 2005 – Stade de France
32': Ronaldinho broke the deadlock with a wonder strike.
44': Kaká equalized after a one-two with Del Piero.
116': In extra time, Fernández controlled Buffon's long clearance and coolly finished. 2-1.
The stadium erupted. Del Piero, in tears, kissed the badge. Kaká lifted the trophy.
The Legacy
During the celebrations, Pablo gathered the team:
"Today, we didn't win a trophy. We closed an era."
Buffon, emotional, hugged Del Piero:
"No one will replace you."
The Italian looked at Kaká, then Fernández:
"Don't replace me. Surpass me."
That night, as Florence burned violet, Pablo knew the future had arrived.
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