AC Milan won their place in the final eight of the Champions League 11 years after their last 1/4-final in the tournament.
The Rossoneri held off Tottenham do 0-0 draw in London, which was enough after 1-0 win three weeks before in Italy.
“I like to think there’s nothing impossible in sport,” Pioli said. “Clearly, only the best in Europe remain, and each round gets more difficult, but I am sure that all the European experiences, especially the negative ones – help us step up a level.
“Now we must go into the quarter-final with confidence and belief.”
Milan have turned around an abysmal start to the year and are now in fifth place in Serie A, equal on points with AS Roma who are in the fourth and last place that gives Champions League football next season.