INTER Milan players were in tears after losing at home to Sassuolo 2-1 in Serie A on Saturday left their chances of qualifying for the Champions League in tatters.

Inter captain Mauro Icardi, Rafinha and other players fell to the ground after the final whistle, several with tears running down their face.

“This defeat hurts us a lot but the team did well,” Inter coach Luciano Spalletti said. “The players were destroyed in the dressing room, it really meant a lot to them and they gave their all.

“Sassuolo did what they had to do and we congratulate them for having won a difficult match. ... We went behind but we had all the time to get back into the match ... Consigli is a top-class goalkeeper and tonight he showed the talent he has.”

The result meant Roma qualified for the Champions League — no matter how it fares against Juventus in a later match — as it was four points ahead of Inter, with one round remaining.

Inter remained two points behind fourth-placed Lazio, which can secure a spot in the Champions League with a victory over Crotone.(SD-Agencies)