Odegaard strike sinks Napoli as Arsenal punish Allegri’s struggling side

Napoli’s slide continued with a third straight defeat across all competitions, falling 1‑0 to Arsenal in their European opener at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Massimiliano Allegri’s side, already reeling from losses to Como and Inter, were overpowered by a confident and assertive Arsenal team. The visitors controlled the rhythm from the outset and eventually claimed victory through captain Martin Odegaard, whose stunning 75th‑minute strike beat Milinkovic‑Savic, on for the injured Meret.

Napoli briefly threatened midway through the first half, with Kevin De Bruyne forcing Raya into a sharp save before Matteo Politano tested the keeper again, but their momentum quickly faded under Arsenal’s relentless press. Arteta’s men created several chances, including efforts from Merino, Bukayo Saka and Piero Hincapié, before Odegaard’s decisive finish arrived via a clever pass from Tzolis. The defeat leaves Napoli searching for solutions as Arsenal begin their campaign with authority.