In September 2001, Vieri missed out on the team for two months due to an foot injury, and on November 17, he returned from injury in the Inter Milan game against Roma and played the entire game. On March 3, 2002, Vieri scored the only goal of the game in the Milan Derby, helping the team continue to remain at the top of the league. On March 24, Inter Milan defeated Roma 3-1 in a crucial battle for the league title, and Vieri scored in the 43rd minute. On May 5th, in the match Inter Milan against Lazio in the final round of the league, Vieri made the first goal of the game in the 12th minute; however, Lazio made a turn over when Intern Milan was two goals ahead. In the end, Inter Milan handed over to Juventus the league championship that was almost obtained. In the 2001-02 season, Vieri made 25 goals in 28 appearances in for Inter Milan. On December 1st, 2002, Inter Milan beat Brescia 4-0 in the 12th round of Serie A, and Vieri scored four goals. On February 16, 2003, Inter Milan lost 1-2 to Chievo in the away game, during which Vieri scored his 100th goal of Serie A in the 69th minute. In April 2003, Vieri suffered a serious injury to his right knee in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Inter Milan, and thus ended his season earlier than planned. In the 2002-03 season, Vieri made 23 appearances in Serie A and became the top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals.