Alberto Gilardino welcomed his first two Serie A goals this season in AC Milan's Sunday night 1-5 thrashing of Lazio, saying he was on the way back from "purgatory".
"I've waited so long for these goals and I think they'll help me out of the purgatory I've been in," the 25-year-old 'Gila' said.
"It's been hard with the crowd on my back, not scoring since April, slipping down the pecking order at club and international level".
"But I'm sure I'll be back up there soon".
Gilardino was left out of the Italy squad to play Georgia in a key Euro-qualifier next Saturday - although some observers think he might have made it if the team sheet had been announced after the match at the Olimpico.
"I don't know about that, all I'm thinking about right now is scoring for Milan.
"If I keep up what I started last night, I think I can get back into the Italy reckoning.
"I've got to show (Italy coach Roberto) Donadoni I'm the player I used to be."
Asked if the prospect of becoming a father had "settled him down," Gilardino replied:
"Yeah, for sure. I feel different now. It's the most beautiful thing that can happen to a man and I think my new mood has been translated onto the pitch".
Gilardino, who has been regularly heckled by the San Siro faithful in recent months, was mobbed by his team mates after his goals against 21-year-old Uruguayan goalie Fernando Muslera.
"It's a sign of the affection we all feel for him and for what he's been going through," said Brazil star Kaka.
Milan's win got them back into the top half of the table on ten points, seven behind Serie A leaders and champs Inter, their cross-city rivals.
Inter's 2-1 win against Napoli put them three clear of Juventus, which drew 1-1 at Fiorentina, and Roma, which smashed Parma 0-3.
Fiorentina are a point behind the chasing pair on 13, followed by surprise package Genoa which beat Cagliari 2-0 to climb to 12 points.
At the other end of the table, things are already looking dicey for Livorno (two points), Reggina (four) and Empoli five).
