Napoli vs Arsenal predictions and betting tips | Gunners resume European quest

Our Napoli vs Arsenal predictions focus on Arsenal’s first game in the Champions League since that heartbreaking defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final.

Napoli vs Arsenal head to head overview

• Date: Wednesday 9th September.
• Kick-off: 8pm.
• Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy.
• Where to watch: TNT Sports 2.

Napoli vs Arsenal quick tips

• Arsenal to win – 5/6 with bet365
• Under 2.5 goals – 10/11 with bet365
• Martin Odegaard to score or assist – 7/4 with bet365

Napoli vs Arsenal predictions

Last season was a successful one for Arsenal, who won their first Premier League title in 22 years. Yet it ended on a sour note, as the Gunners suffered a heartbreaking defeat on penalties in the Champions League final.

Gabriel Magalhaes fired the decisive spot-kick over the bar to hand Paris Saint-Germain victory, leaving Arsenal’s double dreams in ruins.

The north Londoners are arguably the biggest club in Europe to have never won the Champions League. 

Although they are desperate to retain the Premier League title this term, Arsenal are even more determined to break their duck in Europe’s foremost competition.

They begin their bid for continental glory in Italy, where Napoli will be looking to deny them all three points on Wednesday.

This represents a tricky start for Arsenal. Napoli have regressed since winning the Serie A title under Antonio Conte in 2024/25, but they are still capable of giving anyone in Europe a game on home turf.

Arsenal are in a confident mood, though. A 2-1 victory over Chelsea on Sunday was a reminder that they remain the team to beat in the Premier League. Will they soon claim that status in Europe too?

Napoli vs Arsenal tips

Napoli host Arsenal in a fascinating clash on matchday one of the Champions League.

Arsenal to edge it

Arsenal should not expect to have everything their own way on Wednesday, but this is a team which is capable of winning games in different ways.

That bodes well for their upcoming run at the Champions League, where it is impossible to dominate every game from September to May. 

Napoli have not had the best start in Serie A, losing back-to-back games against Como and Inter. They are still finding their feet under new boss Max Allegri.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are a well-oiled machine. It is hard to see them slipping up on matchday one.

Tip Arsenal to win at 5/6 with bet365

Goals on the low end

Arsenal’s defensive solidity is their principal asset, but they have also played some excellent football in the early weeks of 2026/27.

Indeed, for all the talk of Chelsea’s star-studded frontline, it was Arsenal who produced the better attacking play on Sunday.

Against Napoli, though, we will see the Gunners prioritise control above all else. This is an occasion for quietening down the crowd and eking out a victory.

As such, we should not expect a goalfest at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Indeed, one strike may well be enough to win this encounter.

Go for under 2.5 goals at 10/11 with bet365

Who will find net?

Martin Odegaard appears to be back to his best. That is excellent news for Arsenal, who won the title last term despite the fact their captain was not always at his best.

Odegaard was the standout performer in the 2-1 defeat of Chelsea last time out. He was at the heart of virtually all Arsenal’s attacking moves and scored the decisive third goal of the match.

The Norway international is a wonderful footballer, but to elevate his talent even further he needs to decide games on a regular basis.

He has made a positive start to the season in that regard, so Napoli must beware his influence here.

Back Martin Odegaard to score or assist at 7/4 with bet365

Napoli vs Arsenal predicted lineups

• Napoli expected lineup: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marin, Rrahmani, Spinazzola; De Bruyne, Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano, Hojlund, Santos.
• Arsenal expected lineup: Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.

Napoli vs Arsenal latest odds

Find the latest Napoli vs Arsenal betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

• Napoli: 31/10 with bet365
• Draw: 14/5 with bet365
• Arsenal: 5/6 with bet365

More Champions League predictions

We have plenty more Champions League predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Napoli vs Arsenal for betting

There have been four previous matches between Napoli and Arsenal, two in the Champions League and two in the Europa League. Three of those four games finished 2-0 – two in favour of Arsenal and one in which Napoli were the victors.

• Last meeting: 18th April 2019; Napoli 0-1 Arsenal.
• Last 4 matches: Napoli wins – 1; Arsenal wins – 3; Draws – 0.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.