Serie A giants Napoli lock horns with Arsenal in their Champions League opener this week, as the Gunners travel to Italy for the tie.
This is the first tie involving Max Allegri and Mikel Arteta at a European level. The two did manage against each other in a pre-season friendly some years ago but that is what the game this week makes the scenario rather fascinating.
The Italian has spoken to the press about the tie and he had some praise for the Arsenal boss.
He said โ via Di Marzio: โTomorrow begins a competition that is different from the league. We need to get 12 points to secure qualification, and we know weโre facing a team thatโs a winner in the Premier League and a European finalist.โ
โArteta is a great coach, and weโll approach the match trying to do our best and get a positive result.โ
The Italian also provided fitness updates, confirming that Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will miss the tie. He didnโt train with the squad today.
โThere wonโt be any tactical changes: McTominay wonโt be there, having undergone surgery, and Anguissa, who has an adductor problem.โ
David Neres also didnโt train today, which has put a doubt over his availability against Arsenal.
โNeres? Weโll see tomorrow morning. If his knee is okay, heโll be available.โ
From a tactical standpoint, Allegri revealed they were naive against Inter and they will defend better as a unit against the Gunners.
โSaturday was a great match, but unfortunately we lost due to naivety. Inter could say the same thing, but they won. Thatโs football.โ
โEurope gives you more motivation and adrenaline. Weโll be playing against the best, and we need to play a game of great technique. When we donโt have the ball, weโll need to defend better as a team. We left a lot to be desired against Como and Inter.โ
Kaustubh Pandey โ GIFN
