The 200001 A.S. Roma season had several important signings, one of which was a player that Javier Zanetti referred to him as being the "hardest player" he has played with.
In 2001, Associazione Sportiva Roma took its third league title (after 1942 and 1983), winning Serie A only a year after rivals Lazio. 
 Gifted with natural power and good defensive skills, Samuel has been regarded as one of the best centre-backs of his generation, and as one of football's toughest defenders, with former international teammate and Inter captain Javier Zanetti referring to him as the "hardest player" he has played with. 
