Italy coach Antonio Conte is thrilled that his side have qualified for Euro 2016 but admits beating Azerbaijan was no easy task.
The Italians still have one more Group H qualifier to play against Norway, a battle that will determine who finishes in top spot.
"Now that we have qualified it could appear to have been an easy achievement but that was not the case," Conte said to Italian TV station Rai.
Italy had drawn their previous two away qualifiers heading into the match against Azerbaijan but turned in a dominant display in Baku.
Goals from Citadin Eder, Stephan El Shaarawy and Matteo Darmian gave the Italians the victory and marked the first time they have scored three goals in a game with Conte at the helm.
Conte, whose side have given away six goals while scoring 14 in nine qualifiers, says there is room for improvement.
"I am happy as we are working well and I saw a team that are improving, so we must continue this work," he said. "Fitness levels are important, but we also changed on a tactical level.
"This squad is becoming more and more aware of its capabilities and that can bring us great things."
Manchester United full-back Darmian could not hide his delight as he scored his first goal for Italy in his 16th appearance.
"The important thing was to qualify," he said to Rai. "We knew this would be a difficult game but I believe we faced it in the best possible way.
"It's beautiful to score the first goal in the Azzurri colours and it's a great feeling. We didn't have all of our players available with some out injured but we were focused and determined."
The Italians were without injured strikers Lorenzo Insigne and Domenico Berardi as well as veteran midfielder Daniele De Rossi, who was suspended.
Italy end the qualifying campaign at home to Norway on Tuesday in Rome. A draw at the Stadio Olimpico would be enough to see Conte's side top the pool.
Norway won 2-0 at home to Malta and are two points adrift of Italy heading into their final qualifier.
"When we go out on the pitch we are going out there with only one thought and that is to win," Darmian said. "We will try to do that against Norway.
"Now we must look ahead delighted to have qualified."
Conte expects a strong performance from his players on Tuesday.
"We will honour the qualifying phase by playing a great game against Norway in Rome," he said.
