Napoli and Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with the same historic target in sight: a first European Cup. For the Italian hosts, the opening night arrives after a difficult domestic start; for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, it is another opportunity to return to the competition’s decisive stages after last season’s disappointment.
Two clubs pursuing a first European crown
Neither Napoli nor Arsenal has won the Champions League, giving their meeting in Naples added weight from the first matchday. They have met before in Europe, most notably in the 2013-14 Champions League group stage, when each side won 2-0 at home.
Their most recent continental encounter came in the 2018-19 Europa League quarter-finals. Arsenal progressed to the semi-finals with a 3-0 aggregate victory, completed on 18 April 2019.
- Napoli and Arsenal both enter the new Champions League season seeking their first title in the competition.
- In 2013-14, the clubs shared home 2-0 wins during the Champions League group phase.
- Arsenal eliminated Napoli from the Europa League in 2019, advancing 3-0 on aggregate.
Napoli seek a response on opening night
Napoli come into the fixture having let a lead slip in a 3-2 defeat against Inter. That result was their second loss of the domestic season, leaving them with three points from their opening three league matches.
Europe offered little relief last term, either. Napoli did not finish inside the Champions League’s top 24, making this new campaign an immediate test of their ability to recover their continental standing.
Arsenal return with unfinished business
Arsenal travel to Italy carrying the frustration of a near miss from last season. Their Champions League run ended in a penalty shoot-out, with Paris Saint-Germain ultimately lifting the trophy.
Arteta’s side are now aiming to make another deep run while pursuing the one major European prize still absent from the club’s history. They will also look to reproduce a perfect group-stage record, an achievement they have managed before.
- Arsenal were denied the trophy last season after losing on penalties.
- Paris Saint-Germain went on to win the Champions League.
- Arteta’s team start the new campaign determined to return to winning every group-stage match.
The contest in Naples therefore opens more than a new European schedule. Napoli need a result to steady an uncertain opening to the season, while Arsenal arrive with a longer continental ambition: turning last year’s disappointment into a first Champions League triumph.
