Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti has praised Liverpool as the best team in Europe ahead of the two sides meeting in the Champions League this week.

The Reds claimed their sixth European crown at the Wanda Metropolitano by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in an all-English final in May.

Liverpool will begin their defence of their Champions League title with a visit to the San Paolo on Tuesday.

Speaking to Sky Sports News about Napoli's upcoming meeting with Jurgen Klopp's side, Ancelotti said: "We're playing the best team in Europe and they haven't dropped any points in the Premier League yet.

"The result is very important in matches like this but it's even more important we have the confidence to match the best teams out there. Last year we were in a really tough group and we very nearly qualified. We're determined to erase the disappointment of last season, which had a psychological effect on us in Serie A too.

"Normally it's the European champions who are favourites but we hope it ends the same way as last year's game at the San Paolo. Liverpool have improved because winning the Champions League gives you belief."

Liverpool suffered a rare disappointing night in Europe against Napoli last season, with Dries Mertens scoring a late goal to seal a 1-0 win for the Serie A side.

The Premier League leaders will head into the game full of confidence following a perfect record in their first five games of the 2019-20 season.