The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News
Manchester City enter this year’s Champions League with mixed emotions. Despite a disappointing 2024/25 season, which saw them finish only third in the Premier League, exit in the Round of 16 in Europe, bow out in the Club World Cup Round of 16, and lose the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace, they still secured qualification for Europe’s top competition.
Pep Guardiola’s side began the new season brightly with a commanding 4-0 victory over Wolves, but optimism quickly faded. Defeats to Tottenham (0-2) and Brighton (1-2) have dragged the Sky Blues down to 13th in the table, raising early concerns about consistency and depth.
Compounding their struggles are injuries. Omar Marmoush has joined Mateo Kovačić and Kalvin Phillips on the sidelines, while doubts remain over Savinho, Joško Gvardiol, and Phil Foden. Adding to the challenge, the club bid farewell to Kevin De Bruyne, who joined none other than Napoli, as well as veterans like Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and James McAtee.
In terms of reinforcements, City brought in James Trafford (Burnley), full-back Rayan Aït-Nouri (Wolves), Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan), Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg), and Rayan Cherki (Lyon). While Cherki has yet to impress, the team still relies heavily on Erling Haaland, who scored against Brighton before the international break and recently netted five goals for his national side—proof that he remains a lethal threat up front.
Napoli’s Confident Momentum
On the other side, Napoli arrive in Manchester full of belief after a stellar campaign last season, when they edged out Inter Milan to clinch the Serie A title following a 12-match unbeaten run to close out the season. They carried that momentum into this year, winning all three of their preseason fixtures before starting their title defense with victories over Sassuolo (2-0) and Cagliari (1-0). A tough trip to Fiorentina preceded their Champions League opener, serving as a further test of their resilience.
Key absences remain a concern, however. Romelu Lukaku, last season’s Serie A Player of the Year, is sidelined, while defensive leader Amir Rrahmani is also out injured. Yet Napoli’s midfield remains strong, anchored by André-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka, who continue to provide control and balance.
Napoli’s summer business has added both quality and depth. The headline signing is, of course, Kevin De Bruyne, whose playmaking could transform their attacking options. Other arrivals include Noa Lang (PSV), striker Lorenzo Lucca (12 Serie A goals last season for Udinese), goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić (Torino), defenders Sam Beukema (Bologna) and Miguel Gutiérrez (Girona), and youngster Marianucci (Empoli). While Lucca is still chasing his first official goal for the club, midfield star Scott McTominay has already marked his return from injury with a goal, and De Bruyne wasted no time finding the net either.
Still, Napoli are missing depth in attack, with Raspadori (Atlético Madrid) and Giovanni Simeone (Torino) no longer part of the squad. Coach Rudi Garcia will lean on Mauro Icardi, B.A. Yilmaz, and the new recruits to make up for those losses.
Prediction: City’s Home Advantage Could Prove Decisive
While Napoli look stronger than they have in years, their away form in Europe has been a persistent issue. They enter this clash on the back of 12 consecutive away defeats in top-flight European fixtures, a streak that underlines their vulnerability on the road.
Manchester City, meanwhile, despite their shaky league form, have won 15 of their last 19 Champions League home games. With Haaland in scoring form and Guardiola’s squad eager to bounce back, the Etihad factor could once again prove decisive.
Prediction: Manchester City 3 – 0 Napoli
