AC Milan goalkeeper Christian Abbiati insists the squad have always believed that their "difficult" start to the campaign could be overcome.
Head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic was under severe pressure at San Siro as the club struggled for consistency in the first half of the season, but they sealed a 6-0 aggregate victory over Alessandria on Tuesday.
That meant Milan secured a place in the Coppa Italia final for the first time in 13 years and are now unbeaten in 12 matches in all competitions, a run which has also seen them rekindle hopes of earning Champions League spot in Serie A.
The turnaround has thrilled experienced campaigner Abbiati, who deputised for teenage sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma against Alessandria.
"Reaching the final was one of our objectives this season and we did it," the 38-year-old told Rai.
"We have always believed, despite our initial difficulties. We are trying to come back and it is not easy, but we are doing well.
"We are very happy to have made the final and now we are thinking about the league which is very important for us – Sunday's game [away to Sassuolo] will be very difficult for us."
Milan sit sixth in the table with 11 games remaining, six points behind Roma in third spot.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw
