Manchester City begin their UEFA Champions League campaign with a mouth-watering clash against Italian champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.
City head into the game full of confidence after a resounding 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, courtesy of an Erling Haaland brace and a Phil Foden strike. Pep Guardiola’s side produced a dominant display, keeping a clean sheet and creating enough chances to have won by a bigger margin. They will look to maintain that attacking momentum against a Napoli team brimming with quality.
The visitors arrive in Manchester in excellent form, having won all three of their Serie A fixtures so far, most recently a 3-1 away victory at Fiorentina. Napoli are targeting a first-ever win on English soil, adding extra motivation to preserve their perfect start to the season.
Adding intrigue is the return of a club legend: Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian midfielder departed City in the summer to join Napoli on a free transfer and has already opened his account for the Italian champions. He will be eager to impress against his former club, though Guardiola’s men know all too well the damage their former talisman can cause, given his record of hundreds of goals and assists in a City shirt.
Napoli also boast new attacking talent in Rasmus Højlund, who netted his first goal for the club at the weekend. The former Manchester United striker will be keen to make an impact on his return to Manchester.
Key Stats
All four previous meetings between Manchester City and Napoli in Europe have come in the Champions League group stage: City went winless in 2011/12 (D1 L1) but won home and away in 2017/18.
Napoli have never won away to an English side in European competition (P12 W0 D3 L9), drawing only with Leicester City (2-2, Europa League 2021/22).
Pep Guardiola has faced Antonio Conte seven times in all competitions, losing four and winning three. Conte is one of only three managers (alongside Jürgen Klopp and Luis Enrique) to have a winning record against Guardiola.
Summary:
The Etihad is set for an early-season spectacle as Manchester City look to extend their fine form and start their European defence on the front foot. Napoli, led by Antonio Conte and boosted by Kevin De Bruyne’s return, will aim to break their winless record in England and maintain a flawless start to the campaign. A clash of styles and star power promises an enthralling opener.