Napoli resumes their Champions League journey after last season’s disappointment, when the team—then managed by Antonio Conte—finished 30th in the massive opening group stage and was immediately eliminated from the competition.
Massimiliano Allegri has already reached the Champions League final twice (both times with Juventus, losing in 2015 and 2017 to Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively), but his adventure on the Napoli bench has started with two defeats in three Serie A matches. That makes the European fixture on Wednesday, September 9th at 21:00 at the Maradona a must-win for the Partenopei.
The opposition, however, is formidable. Arsenal arrive under Vesuvius as reigning Premier League champions, currently top of the English league (three wins from three, level with Manchester City), and are coming off a Champions League final lost only on penalties to Paris Saint Germain last May.
Napoli vs Arsenal: The Numbers
This will be the fifth meeting between these two sides in European competition, with the Gunners having won three times compared to just one victory for Napoli.
Napoli have lost only three of their 13 home matches against English teams in European competitions (eight wins and two draws), but they did lose the most recent head-to-head (2-3 at the Maradona last January in the Champions League group stage).
Arsenal have won just one of their last six away games in the Champions League against Italian sides, and in five of those six matches, the Gunners failed to score.
The Partenopei have lost only two of their last 21 home games in the Champions League.
As mentioned, Arsenal will be a particularly tough opponent for Allegri’s men. Just consider that in the 2025/26 Champions League, the Gunners never lost in regulation or extra time throughout the competition, recording 11 wins and four draws, and only falling to PSG on penalties in the final.
What Kind of Match Can We Expect from Napoli and Arsenal?
Allegri’s Napoli have already conceded five goals in their first three league outings, though it’s worth noting they’ve already faced two heavyweights in Inter and Como. The Tuscan coach will need to shore up the defensive phase ahead of Arsenal, likely ceding possession to the English side but with Napoli ready to hit on the counter, as Allegri’s teams are known to do.
Arteta, meanwhile, comes to the Maradona looking to control the game, but his side could be vulnerable to the hosts’ counterattacks.
Probable Lineups for Napoli vs Arsenal
Napoli will particularly feel the absence of McTominay. The Scot is set to undergo surgery for a mild arrhythmia, which will keep him sidelined for at least a month. Otherwise, Allegri should have a full squad available except for Buongiorno, who has been out since preseason and isn’t expected back before next winter.
Arteta will have to do without Saliba, but the new signing Konsa has stepped in admirably so far, while Timber is likely to be on the bench at best. Havertz will once again start as the central striker, with Gjokeres initially on the bench.
Probable lineups:
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marin, Rrahmani, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano, Hojlund, Alisson Santos. Manager: Allegri
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz. Manager: Arteta