Allegri braced for Camp Nou siege

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his team must produce their best Champions League performance yet to get past Barcelona.

Milan go to Camp Nou leading 2-0 on aggregate courtesy of goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari during the first leg in Italy.

But despite their advantage in the round of-16 tie, Allegri is well aware of the danger La Liga leaders Barca will pose in front of their own fans.

"We will play against a team that will fight to overturn a two-goal deficit, so we must perform better than in the first leg," he said.

"Last year, when we met them in the group stage, Barcelona played with three defenders. We have to be better in defence tomorrow and manage the ball a lot better than we did at home."

Allegri also revealed his intention to field three forwards, in an attempt to avoid being pinned back by Barcelona's possession-based approach.

"Italian football is different to other European leagues. Barcelona always force their opponents to play the same way because of their ball possession," he said.

"If we can keep Barcelona away from our box, then we have a better chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. We will play with three forwards tomorrow."

The draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League will be held on Friday.