The Serie A leaders are 3-0 up on Celtic ahead of Wednesday's second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and the 31-year-old centre-back believes his team's defensive work has been the catalyst for their re-emergence as a European force.

"The basis of our defence is organisation," Barzagli said ahead of facing the Scottish champions in Turin. "We have been working hard even in the few days we've had (since the weekend).

"There is a great harmony in this group. The midfielders and attackers also give us defenders a big hand.

"We are a compact team that works hard. We have a solid foundation and we hope that continues to be the case."

The former Palermo defender has been at the heart of Antonio Conte's defence since the start of the season, but he refused to speculate as to if this was his best campaign to date.

"It is difficult for me to say if this has been my best season or not. Of course, the important thing is continuity," Barzagli added.

"I am part of a solid defence that has been doing some great things for the past 18 months now."