AC Milan playmaker Riccardo Montolivo has insisted that they are in their best form all season going into Wednesday night's Champions League last-16 clash with Barcelona.

Montolivo did admit, however, that it will take a team effort from every player if they are to advance to the quarter-finals.

"Milan and I have improved since the beginning of the season, we are expressing well and this game comes at the best time," Gazzetta dello Sport quotes Montolivo as saying.

"Although it is clear that we face collectively the strongest in the world with the best players in the world.

"In such games you need team spirit and sacrifice. You must forget personal interests in favour of the team's performance."

Milan are currently unbeaten in seven league games and have moved up to third in Serie A.