Calafiori excited by ‘special’ Napoli return as Arsenal open Champions League campaign

Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign at Napoli on Wednesday, with Riccardo Calafiori confident a strong performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona can set the tone for the season.

The Gunners travel to Italy having won all three of their Premier League matches so far. They also reached last season’s Champions League final, where they were beaten by Paris Saint-Germain, and have lost only one of their past 16 league-phase matches in the competition.

However, Mikel Arteta expects a demanding opening fixture against Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli, who could include experienced Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Manchester United loanee Rasmus Højlund.

“Really tough place,” Arteta said. “I’ve been in that stadium before, I know the atmosphere they create. The record at home is really, really strong. A very experienced manager. We know the challenge ahead.”

The match has particular meaning for Calafiori, who was born in Rome and is looking forward to playing in his homeland.

“I’m excited, it’s also nice to start in Italy, in Naples, a special city, and I’m really looking forward to playing this game,” he said. “I think it will be amazing, especially for a Champions League night. The stadium will be buzzing for sure and I can’t wait to play.”

The 24-year-old defender has made an important contribution to Arsenal’s unbeaten start. He scored in their Community Shield victory over Manchester City and has created two goals in the Premier League.

Calafiori believes an unusually long break during the off-season has helped him reach his best form since joining Arsenal. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup allowed him time to travel in Brazil and Argentina before returning to prepare for the new campaign.

“I feel really fresh,” Calafiori said. “I’ve had a big chance to help the team and I hope to keep going like that. I’m feeling really confident on the pitch and I feel so good.”

Arteta has also given Calafiori licence to influence matches in the final third, while expecting him to maintain his defensive duties from left-back.

“I think Mikel and the staff saw this kind of thing inside of me,” Calafiori said. “Every season I’m trying to improve these moments on the pitch. Where to go and also the timing to go in those positions. I think it’s a process that involves the whole team.

“We started the season in a perfect way, I would say, and I hope we can keep going like that,” he added.

Arteta said Arsenal must approach their first European fixture with intensity and discipline.

“We need to start with the first game in a really tough place, but really excited to start the campaign,” he said. “Start well tomorrow. That’s the only thing we can do, put in a big performance to increase the probability to win the game.”