Barcelona match can kick start our season, says Montolivo

Riccardo Montolivo believes the right result against Barcelona can kick start AC Milan's faltering season.

The Rossoneri will take confidence from last year's meeting between the two when they beat Barca 2-0 at San Siro in the first leg of their last 16 encounter, only to lose the second leg 4-0 in Camp Nou.

Milan have yet to reach their full potential as they lie in eighth position in Serie A, but their captain insists a positive performance against the Liga champions in Group H will give them the boost they need.

'We must have great concentration and attention, limiting the spaces between the lines and exploiting counterattacks like in last year’s game,' Montolivo told reporters.

'The team spirit, the attitude and the right approach to the game will be essential to do well against Barcelona. We believe [in a good result].

'This team can still give a lot and has not fully expressed its full potential yet. This match can give us the necessary boost to grow as team.'

Milan have a number of injury concerns ahead of the match, with forward Stephan El Shaarawy ruled out while Mario Balotelli is also a doubt. The Italians sit second on four points with Barca top of the group.