Match Info

Competition: Champions League — Gameweek 1

Date: September 9, 2026

Time: 03:00 (GMT+7) / 20:00 (GMT+1)

Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Napoli Preview

Napoli begin their Champions League campaign under growing pressure after a difficult opening to the domestic season. Massimiliano Allegri's side started with a 2-0 victory away to Genoa, but a 2-1 home defeat to Como was followed by a dramatic 3-2 loss against Inter Milan, despite Napoli taking a two-goal lead through Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund. Their defensive problems will be a major concern against an Arsenal side that have started the campaign perfectly. Napoli will also be without midfield talisman Scott McTominay, who is expected to miss around a month following a minor heart operation, while Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa are also unavailable. Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, could be handed his first start of the season as Allegri searches for greater creativity.

Arsenal Preview

Arsenal arrive in Naples with confidence at an extremely high level after winning all four of their matches this season. Mikel Arteta's side have scored nine goals while conceding just once, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Chelsea in their latest Premier League outing. The Gunners also boast an outstanding recent Champions League record, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 matches in normal time and recording nine clean sheets during that run. Arsenal have also avoided defeat in each of their last nine European competition opening-day fixtures. Cristhian Mosquera has not travelled because of a muscular problem, while William Saliba remains sidelined and Jurrien Timber is unlikely to be fit enough to start. Martin Zubimendi could return to midfield, giving Arteta another option alongside Declan Rice.

Probable Lineups

Napoli (4-3-3)

Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marin, Rrahmani, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, Lobotka, Gilmour; Politano, Hojlund, Santos

Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz

We Say

Napoli possess enough attacking quality to make this a serious test for Arsenal, particularly with the home crowd behind them and players such as De Bruyne capable of producing moments of individual brilliance. However, their recent defensive collapse against Inter is a major concern against an Arsenal side that have shown both attacking variety and defensive stability. With Arteta's squad offering multiple options in midfield and attack, the Gunners appear better equipped to handle a difficult opening night in Naples.

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