AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella hopes Friday's Supercoppa Italiana success over Juventus can propel the Rossoneri back into regular title reckoning.
Montella's side won 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Doha, Gianluigi Donnarumma making a crucial spot-kick save from Paulo Dybala, who had blazed a gilt-edged chance over the bar towards the end of extra time.
"It's a nice feeling to win," Montella told Rai Sport.
"The lads have to see this as a good starting point for the future, as we played on a par with a great side like Juventus.
"I am very happy for President Silvio Berlusconi, as we know how much he cared about this trophy and we dedicate it to him.
"In the first 20 minutes we weren't our usual selves, but we shrugged off the tension and slowly improved as the game wore on. We created many chances and deserved to win in 90 minutes.
"Fatigue set in and we dipped in terms of intensity during extra time, but to lose when Paulo Dybala had that chance at the end would've been cruel."
