AC Milan went into Saturday's game against AS Roma knowing that nothing less than a victory would put them in position to gain sixth in the table and ensure themselves of entry in the UEFA Europa League regardless of whether they beat Juventus in the Coppa Italia final on May 21.
With Sassuolo ahead of them they would need help, but whatever the situation, victory would be vital.
Or at least the fans and pundits knew that. Someone had obviously forgotten to convey that message to the players.
Milan put up absolutely no fight against the Giallorossi and sunk to a 3-1 loss in front of their home fans.