After an impressive performance last week against Fiorentina, AC Milan's game against Empoli on Saturday presented the team with a marvelous opportunity.
The Rossoneri sat three points behind fifth-placed Roma at kickoff. With the scuffling capital club facing a resurgent Juventus in Turin, there was a very good chance a victory could pull them level. With Fiorentina facing a tricky task against Torino, they could very well gain ground on both of the teams directly above them as they trekked for a Champions League spot.
But to take that opportunity, they needed to beat Empoli.