The starting line-ups for Napoli and Arsenal have been confirmed for their first round match in the 2026/27 Champions League.
This encounter takes place today, 9th September, at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples.
Massimiliano Allegri has opted for a 4-3-3 formation. Alex Meret will don the gloves, while the backline features Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, and Leonardo Spinazzola.
In midfield, the trio comprises Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, and Kevin De Bruyne. Up front, Matteo Politano, Rasmus Hojlund, and Alisson Santos will lead the charge. Notably, De Bruyne will make his first start of the season for Napoli today.
Mikel Arteta has assembled Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 formation. David Raya is set to start between the sticks, with the defensive lineup including Piero Hincapie, Gabriel, Ezri Konsa, and Ben White.
The central midfield partnership consists of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, while Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka will support lone striker Kai Havertz.
In a surprise twist, Victor Dyoekere has not made the starting XI for Arsenal and will start on the bench. Other substitutes include Malo Gusto, Martin Subimendi, Noni Madueke, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Napoli will be without Scott McTominay and Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa, with McTominay recently undergoing a minor procedure to correct a benign arrhythmia, expected to return to training in about two weeks.
Arsenal, too, face setbacks with William Saliba and Cristian Mosquera unavailable due to injuries.
Napoli's Starting Line-up
Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Rafa Marin, Leonardo Spinazzola; Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, Kevin De Bruyne; Matteo Politano, Rasmus Hojlund, Alisson Santos.
Head Coach: Massimiliano Allegri.
Arsenal's Starting Line-up
David Raya; Piero Hincapie, Gabriel, Ezri Konsa, Ben White; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka; Kai Havertz.
Head Coach: Mikel Arteta.
