Now they have the distraction of a Europa League tie against AS Roma on Thursday.
Asked about Roma boss Daniele De Rossi calling him a genius, De Zerbi told reporters: I don't see myself as a genius.
I don't think I'm better than others but I'm not scared to work hard and I don't lack courage. I don't think of negative consequences. What probably makes a difference is my passion for football.
I am lucky to compete with this team at this level. We are here not only to reach the last eight but also because we are writing history, something unprecedented for this club and its fans.
I have been coaching for 10 years, five or six teams, and this is the team with players most similar to me in terms of pride, hunger, dignity and motivation.
I fell in love with my team in Foggia, Benevento, Sassuolo and even Shakhtar Donetsk where I only spent six months but this is a team I really love, a team who can lose 3-0, be trashed and overwhelmed but they always bounce back with pride and hunger."