AC Milan coach Clarence Seedorf says his side are kicking into gear at just the right time to salvage their sub-standard season.
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A 2-1 win at Genoa on Monday night was their third in a row, moving them onto the coattails of a group of clubs all vying for a place in the Europa League next season.
Just five points now separate the Rossoneri from their city rivals Inter, in fifth, although there are a further five clubs sandwiched between them.
"We're a bit closer to Europe this evening, but we've still got plenty of rivals," Seedorf told Sky. "There's no doubt we've got to carry on winning."
But with six games of the season to go, the signs are there that Seedorf's side can emerge on top of a seven-team mini table for two berths in the Europa League, assuming Fiorentina do not slip out of the top five as their place in Europe next season is otherwise assured via the Coppa Italia.
"I'm delighted with the performance of my side -- we showed great heart, energy and we pushed relentlessly," Seedorf added. "Winning here is a really big result for us. My team was pretty, compact and robust. We've got [Philippe] Mexes back in great form, and he's improving by the game, while [Christian] Abbiati played a great game."
Milan will now be confident of extending their winning streak to five as they host struggling Catania and Livorno in their next two games, before they head to the capital to face Roma. That game is followed by the Milan derby, and then a trip to Atalanta, who are currently one point above the Rossoneri. .
Seedorf added: "We've got to be practical -- the club have set us all an objective and we've got to try to reach this objective."