AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella drew positives from defeat to Napoli on Saturday.

Lorenzo Insigne and Piotr Zielinski scored for Napoli in the 2-1 win ahead of a late Alessio Romagnoli volley.

Montella said afterwards: “I'll take the performance, as we showed great character and our passing moves were improving too. When you lose badly, it's upsetting, and when you lose and deserved more, then that's upsetting too," the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“We weren't incisive enough in the final third, but we caused Napoli a lot of problems and I am happy with the performance, proportional to the anger I feel at losing when playing so well.

“Our last two defeats were against Juventus and Napoli, so of course they are ahead of us, but despite the results, we were in the games. We showed character, we are growing and it's a growth process. As I said, I am proud of the performances against Napoli, Juve, Roma and Inter, because to get to their level we need patience.

“I thank the club for giving me this support and confidence. I struggle to look at the table, but from now on we'll have a simpler fixture list and hopefully this type of performance will see us in good stead."

Milan have won six, drawn one and lost six games in Serie A this season, but Montella won't lose hope of a top four finish.

“I am truly optimistic, I don't know why. I feel we have already overcome the worst period of our season and I see those in front going at a pace they cannot possibly maintain. I remain convinced these players will improve and give us better results going forward."