Both sets of players are about to take to the pitch in Naples and kick-off is just around the corner. Before the ball gets rolling, we can now check in with Opta's all-knowing supercomputer. Despite Napoli's strong European home record, they're given just a 19.1% chance of winning, compared to Arsenal's 56.9%. A draw stands at 24%, a result which is often viewed as the better one for the away side on the continent.
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Arteta names his first Champions League XI of the campaign, and it's one which yields four changes from Arsenal's triumph over Chelsea last weekend. Hincapie gets his first competitive start of the season in place of the in-form Calafiori, while Merino comes in for Lewis-Skelly, fresh off lifting the World Cup with Spain. Gyokeres spearheads the attack tonight in place of the impressive Havertz, while Eze is preferred to Tzolis. Jurrien Timber edges closer to a return but still isn't fit enough to make the squad.
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Allegri makes three alterations from the side that surrendered a two-goal lead against Inter last time out, and most notably, De Bruyne is fit to start. The former Manchester City playmaker was a constant thorn in Arsenal's side during his time in England, and he'll be hoping to have a similar impact tonight. Scotland international Gilmour joins De Bruyne in midfield, while Olivera takes Spinazzola's spot at left-back. Scott McTominay remains sidelined after recently undergoing successful heart surgery.
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ARSENAL SUBS: Illan Meslier, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi, Max Dowman, Christos Tzolis, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke.
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ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard; Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze.
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NAPOLI SUBS: Nikita Contini, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, Benoit Badiashile, am Beukema, Antonio Vergara, Costantino Favasuli, David Neres, Leonardo Spinazzola, Lorenzo Lucca.
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NAPOLI (4-3-3): Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Mathias Olivera; Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, Kevin De Bruyne; Matteo Politano, Rasmus Hojlund, Alisson Santos.
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As for Arsenal, well, last time around was the closest they've come to Champions League glory in their history, as they eventually fell to a penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Budapest final. However, with the experience of winning the Premier League for the first time in over two decades behind them, Mikel Arteta will do all he can to make sure his team is there again this term, and they'd do incredibly well to replicate their league phase results from that season, where the Gunners claimed maximum points from each of their eight games.
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Napoli will be desperate to establish themselves at Europe's highest level this term, having failed to progress from the league phase last season after a 30th-placed finish, and having reached the quarter-finals only once, back in 2023. The Partenopei have lost just two of their last 21 Champions League matches on home turf, though they did suffer defeat in their last outing, against fellow English opposition Chelsea, earlier this year. Massimiliano Allegri will hope this fixture proves the perfect tonic for his side after back-to-back defeats in Serie A.
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Good evening and a very warm welcome to our LIVE text commentary of the UEFA Champions League! Tonight, Napoli welcome last season's finalists, Arsenal, to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as the European campaign kicks off.
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We're under way at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, as Arsenal, in their less-traditional all-red strip, get us going!
1'
This is the fifth meeting between Napoli and Arsenal, and first since the 2018-19 Europa League quarter-finals. The Gunners have won three of the previous four (L1), keeping a clean sheet in all three victories.
2'
Politano has the chance to stretch his legs down the right-hand side up against Hincapie but opts to pull it back, before De Bruyne can only see his low cross dealt with. It's been a slow start here in Naples, and you could argue some of that may be attributed to the soaring heat throughout the day and into the evening.
4'
As the whistles sound around the stadium when Arsenal get on the ball, the Gunners almost carve out a chance. After neat football towards the far side, Saka receives the ball inside the area before his attempted shot is instantly blocked.
5'
Rice releases countryman White down the right-hand side, but the full-back has limited options in the box before his looping cross is dealt with convincingly by Meret. Arteta's side have just found a foothold here.
7'
Eze has an effort from outside the area as the Gunners continue to probe, earning the visitors their first corner of the game. Rice takes the initial delivery before getting a second bite of the cherry, but the effort is wasted as goalkeeper Meret gathers comfortably and instantly releases his side forward. Left-sided forward Santos makes his way into the box but can only see his left-footed effort sail over.
9'
Napoli's skipper Di Lorenzo steps out of the backline and upends Eze, gifting Arsenal a free-kick situation rather needlessly. The Gunners rarely need too many opportunities from dead balls to conjure up something.
11'
SAVED! Arsenal keep hold of the ball and Gyokeres picks it up on the left-hand side and lifts his head for options. He spots Saka inside the area and picks him out with an outside-of-the-boot cross. The Gunners' winger has to get inventive, and does so rather well as he gets his left foot over his head to fire it goalward, only for Meret to get in the way.
13'
DE BRUYNE TESTS RAYA! De Bruyne looks to make his mark against Arsenal yet again, and this time he's afforded space from outside the area to shoot. He can't quite find a corner, but there's plenty on it for Raya to spill, and it almost allows Santos to pick up the scraps, before White does well to sweep away.
15'
Following on from that De Bruyne chance, Napoli quickly win it back off White's misplaced pass and Politano only has eyes for goal. The Italian hits it well enough, but again Raya is alert to it to make the stop. This one has suddenly kicked into life, and it's the hosts who are banging on the door!
16'
After extremely patient play from Arsenal in and around the Napoli area, Eze looks to thread the needle and gives it away in the process. In his attempt to win it back quickly, he halts De Bruyne in his tracks and is very fortunate not to pick up an early booking.
19'
Last season's runners-up Arsenal were the only side to go through the 2025-26 Champions League without suffering a defeat in normal time (W11, D4). In fact, the Gunners spent just 42 minutes and 48 seconds behind throughout the entire campaign, the fewest of any team in the competition. That defensive resilience will be the foundation Mikel Arteta hopes to build on this season, complemented by greater creativity and cutting edge in the final third.
21'
BIG CHANCE FOR ARSENAL! Saka does what he does best on the right, cutting inside and delivering a teasing ball towards Eze, who peeled away from his marker at the back post. The England international heads it back across goal for Merino, who really should score. The World Cup-winning midfielder makes clean contact, but it's too close to Meret, who reacts sharply to tip the effort over his crossbar and keep the scores level.
22'
White finds himself with a sight of goal this time for Arsenal, and with no blue shirt close enough to apply any pressure, he should do better. The full-back can only drill his effort straight into the gloves of the busy Meret, before the Partenopei spring forward on the counter through Santos. The Brazilian has looked lively down the left so far this evening, but his shot is eventually smothered by a wall of retreating red shirts.
23'
Napoli have lost just two of their previous 21 home Champions League games (W12, D7), though did lose their last 3-2 against Chelsea in January earlier this year. Despite playing 37 Champions League/European Cup home matches in total, Napoli have never suffered successive defeats on home soil.
25'
Arsenal do look a little more inventive in attack than they did last season, with their attacking combinations clearly having been worked on in training. After Odegaard scored from an almost identical move in the Community Shield final against Chelsea last weekend, another clever dummy opens up the space here for Eze. The England international shifts onto his right foot, but snatches at the finish and drags his effort wide of the left-hand post.
28'
Saka finds himself in the box once again, but the winger is caught by surprise when the ball breaks kindly into his path following a challenge from Rrahmani. In a split second he stabs at it with his stronger left foot, but the effort skids down his shin and spins harmlessly wide of the target as Arsenal continue their search for an opening goal.
29'
De Bruyne has been directly involved in 12 goals in his last 17 starts against Arsenal in all competitions (eight goals and four assists), including five goal involvements in his last three appearances against them (three goals and two assists). If Napoli are to find any joy against a resolute opponent tonight, you sense the Belgian international will have a major role to play.
31'
Allegri has been happy to hand Arsenal the initiative so far, with the new Napoli manager content to sit deep, and look to hurt the Gunners on the counter-attack. The approach has worked well enough up to this point, but he'll want to see greater quality and efficiency from his side when those opportunities to break forward present themselves.
34'
There's a brief pause in play as Napoli goalkeeper Meret receives treatment from the medical staff. It doesn't appear to be anything serious, though, and the Italian looks set to continue after a fairly quick check-over. That said, backup goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic is receiving instructions on the bench, so we'll keep a close eye on the situation and bring you any updates.
36'
Politano has looked one of Napoli's more dangerous outlets, and he's given far too much room on the edge of the Arsenal penalty area here. The winger takes a touch before curling an effort towards goal with his left foot, but Raya has it covered all the way and gathers well. The Spaniard is then quick to look up and release the Gunners forward as they look to break the deadlock.
39'
Yellow Card Billy Gilmour
42'
After Napoli looked to pin Arsenal back inside their own half, the Gunners turn defence into attack in an instant. Odegaard spins away brilliantly from his marker before releasing Eze into space. The England international drives purposefully up the pitch, only to be hauled down by Gilmour. The Scotland midfielder had little choice but to take the booking, becoming the first player cautioned on the night.
42'
After Napoli look to pin Arsenal back inside their own half, the Gunners turn defence into attack in an instant. Odegaard spins away brilliantly from his marker before releasing Eze into space. The England international drives purposefully up the pitch, only to be hauled down by Gilmour. The Scotland midfielder had little choice but to take the booking, becoming the first player cautioned on the night.
42'
OVER! Saka has to score there, and Arsenal really should be ahead. Odegaard looks back to his brilliant best, threading a perfectly weighted pass into his teammate to carve open the Napoli defence. The England international shifts the ball onto his left foot, but leans back at the crucial moment and sends his effort ballooning over the crossbar.
45'
HALF-TIME: NAPOLI 0-0 ARSENAL
45'
The fourth official has announced two minutes of added time at the end of this first half.
45'
There's the half-time whistle, and it remains goalless between Napoli and Arsenal at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The onus has largely been on the Gunners to break down their opponents, with Allegri's side happy to sit back and hit on the counter, and that's what Napoli have been doing. Saka got inventive in Arsenal's first real chance, but his overhead kick couldn't really trouble Meret before his cross teed up Eze to nod back to Merino, who really should've opened the scoring with a point-blank header. Politano and De Bruyne have had half-chances for Napoli, but none that have had to make Raya work too hard. As the first half came to its climax, Odegaard slipped in Saka, who shifted onto his left foot but couldn't apply the finish as he skied his shot.
0'
As well as posting a far superior 1.82 xG to their opponents' 0.12, Arsenal have also recorded 13 shots in the first half, the most on record by the Gunners in a first half of a Champions League away game. The words from Arteta at the break will simply be to apply the finishing touch and get out with three points. As for Napoli, they'll need to open up more or be extremely ruthless on the transition to triumph in this one. Arsenal remain the favourites at 47.3% to win, while the draw has risen up to 35.3%. The Partenopei have just a 17.3% chance.
0'
Substitution Alex Meret Vanja Milinkovic-Savic
46'
We're back under way in Naples!
46'
After receiving treatment during the first half and battling on until the interval, Meret is unable to continue for Napoli. That means Milinkovic-Savic is introduced for the second half, handing the Serbian goalkeeper an opportunity to impress new manager Allegri.
46'
Gyokeres does brilliantly to get back and win a foul before Napoli can test Raya, the referee's whistle having already sounded. The Sweden international will be desperate to get his name on the scoresheet tonight and prove to Arteta just what he can offer, with the striker seemingly having lost his place to Havertz in the Premier League.
47'
The second half has already taken on the same rhythm as the first, with Arsenal controlling the ball and every Napoli player behind it. It's just a matter of applying the finishing touch for the Gunners to fire themselves ahead.
49'
IT JUST WON'T HAPPEN FOR ARSENAL! Odegaard is at the heart of everything Arsenal create, and the captain produces another moment of quality, delicately scooping a pass forward for White to head back into the danger area. Hincapie charges in from the opposite flank to meet it, but can't quite make the decisive contact. The ball eventually sails over the crossbar from just a couple of yards out, and Arteta is left with his head in his hands on the touchline.
50'
With an average age of 28 years and 41 days, this is Arsenal's oldest starting XI in a Champions League match since November 2015 against Dinamo Zagreb (28 years and 217 days). Perhaps it's that blend of experience and know-how running right through the spine of the side that could prove crucial in the Gunners' pursuit of European glory this season.
52'
It's been almost 10 minutes of total Arsenal dominance since the restart, but finally Napoli can get out and draw a foul from Rice to get a much-needed breather and a chance to push higher up the pitch.
55'
Substitution Matteo Politano Costantino Favasuli
58'
Substitution Alisson de Almeida Santos Antonio Vergara
58'
Milinkovic-Savic can make his first stop since his half-time introduction, though it's scarcely a testing one. Merino hits one from outside the area, but the Serbian can see it the whole way and watch it roll into his grasp.
56'
Substitution Matteo Politano Costantino Favasuli
57'
Allegri wastes little time in making changes, and his first one sees Vergara replace Alisson Santos.
58'
Politano is also replaced for Napoli, as Favasuli enters the fray.
57'
Allegri wastes little time in making changes as Politano is replaced, with Favasuli entering the fray.
57'
Alisson Santos also makes way, with Vergara coming on.
58'
Despite making it all the way to the 2026 Champions League final and playing 15 games, Arsenal conceded the fewest goals of any team in the 2025-26 season (seven). Their xG faced per game was just 0.90, also the lowest total of any side. The Gunners are proving a tough nut to crack again here, but it's their attacking play which is letting them down at the moment.
60'
Arteta's side are getting a little wasteful in front of goal now. Saka can't provide the right cross, before Rice lashes wildly at goal from the edge of the area. Changes are afoot for the visitors for the first time, with Guimaraes being readied.
62'
Substitution Mikel Merino Bruno Guimarães Rodriguez Moura
65'
Substitution Eberechi Eze Christos Tzolis
66'
Napoli have the chance to branch out and stretch Arsenal for the first real time in the second period, but De Bruyne, perhaps for the first time in a long while, can't pick out a pass, as it drifts out of play towards the advertising hoardings.
66'
Merino gets over an hour under his belt in his first Arsenal start since playing in this competition back in January. Guimaraes is his replacement, as he makes his Champions League bow for the Gunners.
65'
Eze is also withdrawn in Arteta's second change, as Tzolis comes in on the left flank.
66'
Rice hands the ball over to new midfield partner Guimaraes, but the Brazilian's lobbed pass forward is closely followed by the Napoli goalkeeper, who comes out to claim it. The Premier League champions just can't find that killer instinct so far tonight, and some might say that's an issue which should've been addressed over the summer.
68'
After Tzolis' wild effort goes high up into the bright floodlights, Arsenal come forward again through Odegaard, but the skipper's effort is well blocked. While you can't take any game for granted in the Champions League, Arteta probably wouldn't have wanted to keep his key players on for this long, especially ahead of another away trip to Sunderland on Saturday evening.
70'
Substitution Bukayo Saka Noni Madueke
73'
Substitution Viktor Gyökeres Kai Havertz
73'
Gyökeres would've wanted to leave a mark on this one, but fails to do so as Havertz looks to change the game.
73'
Saka is also taken off, as Madueke looks to inject some life down the right-hand side.
73'
Gyokeres would've wanted to leave a mark on this one, but fails to do so as Havertz looks to change the game.
73'
Assist Christos Tzolis
75'
Goal Martin Ødegaard
75'
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!!! ODEGAARD CONTINUES HIS FINE FORM! ARSENAL LEAD 1-0!
75'
Substitution Rasmus Højlund David Neres Campos
76'
Substitution Stanislav Lobotka Lorenzo Lucca
77'
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLL!!!! ODEGAARD CONTINUES HIS FINE FORM! ARSENAL LEAD 1-0! Arsenal finally apply the finish with a quarter of an hour remaining. Tzolis pops the ball to Odegaard in and around the edge of the Napoli box, and the skipper lets it roll across his body before belting a left-footed effort onto the left-hand post and into the back of the net!
75'
Tzolis demonstrates real composure to pick out the pass needed to tee up his captain, as he registers his fourth assist in five games.
75'
Højlund didn't have much to feed off all evening, and he's now replaced by Neres.
76'
Lobotka also makes way, as Lucca looks to add more attacking threat.
77'
While much of the talk has been around Arsenal's missed opportunity in the summer transfer window in terms of reinforcing their attack, if Odegaard can play at the level he's currently at all season long, he could well be the spark needed to beat any opposition.
78'
While much of the talk has been around Arsenal's missed opportunity in the summer transfer window in terms of reinforcing their attack, if Odegaard can play at the level he's currently at all season long, he could well be the spark needed to beat any opposition.
79'
Substitution Ben White Martín Zubimendi
82'
White has put in another tireless shift up and down Arsenal's right-hand side, and he's now replaced by Spain's World Cup-winning Zubimendi.
82'
Rice looks like he's been taken out of midfield and put into right-back for the remainder of this game. Arteta will be hoping traditional defenders Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera can return to fitness quickly, so he doesn't have to overload a player who has played as many minutes as anyone across European football in the past season.
83'
Yellow Card Lorenzo Lucca
85'
ARSENAL HAVE TO DOUBLE THEIR LEAD!
85'
ARSENAL HAVE TO DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! Havertz can send through Madueke one-on-one, and it looks for all the world the England international will put the game to bed. However, the winger can't find the finish on his stronger left foot, before teeing up Tzolis, who can only see his thumping effort blocked. It's a golden opportunity squandered, and surely Arsenal won't live to rue that.
85'
Lucca is booked for a foul on Konsa as Napoli come surging forward after that squandered Arsenal opportunity.
85'
The Gunners have now recorded a club-record 24 shots in a Champions League away match since records began in 2003-04. It further underlines just how much stress they've put Napoli under – but they only have one goal to show for it!
86'
Yellow Card Martín Zubimendi
90'
OH, WHAT A CHANCE FOR NAPOLI! De Bruyne seems caught between shooting and crossing as he's played into space inside the box, and he chooses the latter. His cross is still a wicked one, but no teammate gambles, and the ball can only fizz through the corridor of uncertainty.
88'
We're into a minimum of four minutes of added time.
90'
Yellow Card Martin Ødegaard
90'
Lineups
Napoli (4-3-3) coached by Massimiliano Allegri
Alex Meret, Mathias Olivera, Rafa Marín, Amir Rrahmani, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Kevin De Bruyne, Stanislav Lobotka, Billy Gilmour, Alisson Santos, Rasmus Höjlund, Matteo Politano
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) coached by Mikel Arteta
David Raya, Piero Hincapie, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ezri Konsa, Ben White, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyökeres