to the Yugoslav Wars. Roma In summer 1992, amid interest from Juventus, Mihajlović ended up going to Roma for a reported ITL8.5 billion (~US$5.9 million) transfer fee on initiative by compatriot head coach Vujadin Boškov, also a new arrival to Olimpico, having led Sampdoria in the European Cup Final mere months earlier. Arriving to Rome from Belgrade—via first being driven over the border to Sofia followed by a stopover flight to Vienna due to the UN embargo on FR Yugoslavia cutting international flights from Belgrade—Mihajlović and his agent Vladimir Pavković were met by club president Giuseppe Ciarrapico as the player underwent a thorough six-hour physical and signed a contract with the club. Joining the squad led on the pitch by the talisman midfielder and hometown hero Giuseppe Giannini, the Giallorossi were looking to improve on their previous season's 5th place league finish. Despite competing for the three foreign matchday spots against notable and established foreigners Aldair, Thomas Häßler, and new arrival Claudio Caniggia, Mihajlović managed to achieve a first team spot in the left midfield as well as to turn in a decent season with a single goal in 29 league appearances. However, the team had a disappointing overall season, finishing 10th in Serie A standings. Mihajlović also played a significant part in Roma's UEFA Cup campaign where they reached the quarterfinals—losing to Borussia Dortmund in a tie that saw the Serb score a trademark free-kick for a 1–0 first leg lead, before being beaten 2–0 in the return. Due to a long-term injury to Roma's left back Amedeo Carboni midway through the season, coach Boškov moved Mihajlović to the left back position. The 1993–94 season started with new head coach Carlo Mazzone in charge as Boškov got shown the door. In addition to existing four foreigners, the club brought in Argentine ace Abel Balbo thus increasing competition for three foreign spots. Mihajlović, for his part, still played the left back position under the new gaffer, which the player wasn't personally happy with. Still, even without European competition, the team again underachieved in Serie A, finishing in 7th spot—out of Europe for the second season running. Years later, talking about his playing days, retired Mihajlović referred to his stay in Roma as "the two worst seasons of my entire career". Sampdoria During summer 1994 transfer window, Mihajlović joined the third-placed club in previous season's Serie A standings and Coppa Italia