On May 6, 2000, Alessandro Melli took to the pitch during a dramatic Serie A match where Perugia faced Juventus. This encounter ultimately decided the fate of the Italian title, which Juventus desperately needed to clinch. Melli entered the match as a substitute in the 78th minute for Amoruso, in conditions that many believed were unplayable due to heavy rain. The game itself began a staggering 71 minutes late.
In a recent podcast episode of “Non è più domenica,” Melli opened up about that unforgettable day. He recounted how Perugia was already safe in the league and had nothing more to play for. In stark contrast, Juventus needed a win to secure the championship. The week leading up to the game was filled with controversy surrounding a controversial goal scored by Fabio Cannavaro against Parma, which added pressure on the defending champions. Melli revealed that Juventus arrived at the venue under police escort, feeling as if they were unfairly scrutinized.
Melli disclosed that Perugia’s president, Gaucci, who had ties with Lazio and the Banco di Roma, made a bold request prior to the match. He urged the Perugia players to do everything possible to win, even promising them a reward for a favorable outcome, as he had personal interests at stake. The stakes were high; Melli shared, “If we had lost, he said he would take us into retreat in China.”
In an effort to find a common ground, Melli explained that some Perugia players attempted to negotiate with their Juventus counterparts in the dressing room, as they thought Juventus would be willing to agree to a deal, considering they were also preparing for a potential playoff. However, Juventus players, particularly Edgar Davids, Zinedine Zidane, and Montero, rejected the idea outright, resulting in an awkward and secretive discussion among the key figures of both teams.
Ultimately, the match unfolded in a chaotic manner, culminating in an unusual situation that led to an unexpected outcome. Melli expressed that the game was played in a “irregular” way, influenced by numerous factors, ultimately leading to Juventus not claiming the title that day.