Top News

Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri believes Mikel Arteta has done an “extraordinary job” as Arsenal boss.

After the heartbreak of losing on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s final, the Gunners are even more determined to win the competition for the first time in their history. Arteta will be aiming to begin with a victory against Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Allegri spoke highly of what the Spanish coach has achieved so far with the north London club.

“I think Arteta has done an extraordinary job in the last four years,” Allegri told reporters. “He quickly brought a balance to the squad. They are very good on the ball, but just as good when they have to defend. He has instilled a great team mentality.

“We know we are facing the Premier League champions and a team who reached the Champions League Final last season.

“Every match starts at 0-0. It’s normal that Arsenal are considered the favourites, but we have to have ambition.

“We will embrace all of the match’s challenges with pride and try to play a great game.”

Napoli have begun their Serie A campaign poorly, collecting only three points from their opening three matches. On Saturday, Allegri’s team let a two-goal lead slip against Inter at San Siro, conceding twice in the final 10 minutes to lose 3-2.

“Saturday’s game was beautiful, but unfortunately we lost it,” Allegri said while reflecting on the defeat at San Siro. “Tomorrow is a different competition. Europe gives you even more adrenaline, especially since we are coming up against the best.

“We will have to play a technically perfect game. When we don’t have the ball we will have to defend better as a team, because that was our undoing against Como and Inter.”

The Napoli manager also expressed belief in the potential of Rasmus Hojlund, who had difficult moments during his time at Manchester United, and he will no doubt look to Kevin De Bruyne if his side are to get a result against Arsenal.

“Hojlund is 23 so he is still young,” said Allegri. “I think he can grow as a player and improve his technique. He’s a very eager young man who is always keen to learn.

“Kevin De Bruyne is an extraordinary player. He arrived late this season and came off the bench in the first three games. He will most likely be involved against Arsenal.”

Despite winning the English top-flight title 14 times, some believe Arsenal cannot be regarded as an elite European club until they lift the biggest prize of all. When that suggestion was put to Allegri, he smiled and said: “It’s not easy to win the Champions League. I was lucky enough just to coach in two finals, and I lost them both. Let’s hope from now on it goes a bit better for me.”