Napoli vs Arsenal LIVE commentary: Gunners capable of ‘even better version’ in Champions League opener

Arsenal travel to Italy for the start of their Champions League campaign this week.

The Gunners return to the competition following their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final.

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It marks a first meeting with Napoli since the 2018/19 Europa League quarter-finals and only their fifth-ever clash.

On that occasion, the Gunners claimed a 3-0 aggregate victory on their way to the final.

However, they were beaten on their only previous trip to Naples in the Champions League as the Italians claimed a 2-0 group stage win back in December 2013.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side must overcome a daunting record in the league phase to beat their opponents this time around.

Arsenal won all eight matches at this stage last season and have not lost in the opening round since November 2024, although that also came against a Serie A outfit in Inter Milan.

Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten this season with three wins from three in the Premier League.

How to follow Napoli vs Arsenal

Arsenal travel to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, September 9.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST.

Live commentary will be available on talkSPORT 2 from 7.45pm with Joe Shennan and former Benfica defender Scott Minto.

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Napoli vs Arsenal team news

Napoli boss Allegri could hand Kevin De Bruyne a first start of the season on Wednesday.

The midfielder has appeared off of the bench in each of their first three league outings this term.

However, the hosts will be without talisman Scott McTominay following heart surgery.

Giovane and Alessandro Buongiorno are also sidelined by injury, with the latter unregistered for the league phase.

As for Arsenal, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera’s fitness are being assessed.

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Mosquera missed Sunday’s win over Chelsea due to a muscle issue.

The pair are expected to be fit to face Sunderland at the weekend.

William Saliba will miss out, though, with the defender ruled out until November with a back injury.

Arsenal have ‘even better version’

Arteta is confident that Arsenal can go up another level this season.

He said: “I think it’s an indication for us that we’re capable of performing even higher than we did last season.

“It depends on whether we maintain that desire, that humility, and continue every day to find a greater version of myself and the team.

“We still have a lot to grow and a lot to offer, and that’s the ambition of the team.

“It’s no question that we have some great players. I believe in them and that they can improve, and they can have another version of themselves that is even better than what we’ve seen.

“If the team is better and the players are better, everyone will benefit from it, and that’s the objective.