| Arsenal vs Napoli | |
| MATCH | Champions League |
| DATE | 10 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 12.30 AM IST |
| STADIUM | Stadio Diego |
Match Preview
Arsenal's recent Champions League record suggests that their long wait for European glory could finally be coming to an end. The Gunners reached the quarter-finals in 2023-24, the semi-finals in 2024-25 and went one step further last season by reaching the final, only to suffer another painful defeat on the continental stage.
Arsenal's Champions League heartbreak has now come on two occasions in the final, following their 2006 defeat and last season's loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Gabriel Magalhaes' missed penalty proved decisive in Budapest as PSG secured another European crown.
Despite those disappointments, Arsenal have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the competition. They have avoided defeat in all 15 of their Champions League matches in normal time, while their defensive record has been particularly impressive. The Gunners kept nine clean sheets and conceded just seven goals during that run, better defensive numbers than any other team in the tournament.
Their opening assignment this season will be a difficult trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, but Arsenal have plenty of reason for confidence. They have avoided defeat in each of their last nine opening matchdays in European competition, winning seven and drawing two.
Mikel Arteta's side have also started the 2026-27 campaign perfectly. Sunday's 2-1 victory over Chelsea made it four wins from four matches in all competitions. Arsenal have scored nine goals during that run while conceding only once.
Napoli, meanwhile, have endured a much more difficult beginning to the season. The Italian champions opened their Serie A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Genoa, but subsequently suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Como before losing 3-2 away to Inter Milan.
Napoli appeared to be in control at San Siro after Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund scored early in the second half, but Inter produced a dramatic comeback. Lautaro Martinez completed the turnaround with a 91st-minute winner.
The result has increased the pressure on Massimiliano Allegri, who returned to the Napoli dugout with a reputation for building defensively disciplined sides. His team, however, have yet to display that same defensive strength this season.
Napoli's recent European record is another concern. They have won only two of their last 10 Champions League matches and have lost their last three meetings with English opposition in the competition.
Arsenal have already enjoyed success against Napoli in Europe. The Gunners won both legs of their 2018-19 Europa League quarter-final against the Italian club. Their Champions League meetings in the 2013-14 group stage were more evenly matched, with each side winning once.
Recent Form
Napoli: W – L – L
Arsenal: W – W – W – W
Team News
Arsenal came through their victory over Chelsea without suffering any fresh injuries, but Cristhian Mosquera remains unavailable after picking up a muscular problem against Aston Villa and has not travelled to Italy.
Jurrien Timber is also a doubt because of a groin issue and would likely only be considered for a place on the bench if he is cleared to feature. William Saliba remains several weeks away from returning as he continues his recovery from a serious back injury.
Bruno Guimaraes recovered from a minor issue in time to make the squad against Chelsea, although he remained an unused substitute. Martin Zubimendi could therefore retain his place in the centre of midfield if Arteta decides to make changes to his starting lineup.
Napoli have suffered a major blow with Scott McTominay expected to spend around a month on the sidelines. The midfielder is preparing to undergo a minor heart procedure to treat a mild arrhythmia.
Allegri is also without central defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Luca Marianucci, both of whom were left out of Napoli's Champions League league-phase squad. Young striker Giovane is unavailable with a hernia problem, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa is dealing with an adductor injury.
David Neres is another doubt because of a knee issue.
Kevin De Bruyne has yet to start a match for Napoli this season, despite making an immediate impact against Genoa with a goal and an assist after coming off the bench. The experienced midfielder is now pushing for a starting role and could replace Antonio Vergara in the lineup.