Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti defended his tactics for their 0-0 draw at Champions League opponents Red Star Belgrade.

Lorenzo Insigne hit the crossbar as Napoli had to settle for a point.

“We were a little bit slow in our passing, a little slow getting on the end of passes and made a few too many mistakes," confessed Ancelotti on Sky Sport Italia.

“We dropped two points in a difficult group, that is true, but there are another five games to go. We mustn't be so dramatic. We are currently second in the group and there's no need to be too negative.

“It's a pity, as we came so close to scoring a goal."

Ancelotti added: "I think we took too much time to get forward and by the time we did, their defenders had got back into position. We then tried to force the game down the centre and didn't use the width enough.

“Insigne is very good in tight spaces and does good work off the ball too, so he can give us some important options in this new role.

“Once Mertens came on, we put him wider on the left, but that position needs pace and by that time he was a little tired."