U19s preview: Napoli v Arsenal

Our under-19s begin their UEFA Youth League campaign with a trip to Napoli on Wednesday, September 9 - kick-off is scheduled for 1pm (UK time).

We’re looking to get our league phase off to the perfect start when we visit the Italian giants at the Stadio Comunale Giuseppe Piccolo.

To progress through the 36-team league phase for the first time, Dave Horseman's side will need to finish in the top 22 positions.

OUR OPPONENTS

Napoli also competed in last season's UEFA Youth League and, like us, failed to qualify for the next round.

After losing their first match against Manchester City, Napoli went on to draw their next three matches against Sporting CP, PSV Eindhoven and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively.

A 2-0 victory over Qarabag then gave Napoli a shot of progression, only to lose 3-0 to Barcelona on the final day of action, missing out on the top 22 by just a point.

Our last visit to Naples in the UEFA Youth League came back in December 2013. Chuba Akpom (pictured) scored for the Gunners, who also had Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi in the squad, but goals from Gerardo Rubino and Gennaro Tutino gave Napoli the victory as both sides progressed to the knockout phase.

That run to the knockouts remains the furthest Napoli have gone in the competition, falling in the group stage or league phase since.

HOW TO FOLLOW

For those not travelling to Naples, you can follow this match with live updates on Arsenal.com and The Arsenal app.

Post-match interviews with our under-19s head coach, David Horseman, along with highlights, will also be available after the match.