The 1996-97 campaign was a turbulent season of deep disappointment and transition for Roma as I Giallorossi slumped to a 12th-place finish in Serie A, narrowly saving their top-flight status. The season was defined by managerial turmoil, with new coach Carlos Bianchi sacked mid-campaign and replaced by club legend Nils Liedholm, who struggled to get consistent results from a talented squad that featured the emerging young icon Francesco Totti. Leading the line was the prolific Argentine veteran Abel Balbo, whose 17 crucial league goals proved to be a vital, consistent attacking bright spot in a campaign built on inconsistency. It was a fraught year that, despite the struggles, marked the continued development of the 20-year-old Totti.