Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to Napoli on Wednesday, with Riccardo Calafiori confident their start can provide momentum.
The Gunners have won their three Premier League matches and arrive in Italy after reaching last season’s Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta’s side have lost only one of their last 16 league-phase matches.
Napoli will provide a stern challenge on home soil. Arteta expects a difficult evening against Massimiliano Allegri’s side, which could feature Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund.
“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.”
For Calafiori, the occasion carries added significance given his Italian background. Born in Rome, the defender is relishing returning to 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.”
Calafiori has played a prominent role in Arsenal’s encouraging start. He scored in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City and has provided two Premier League assists.
The 24-year-old believes a rare extended off-season break has helped him produce the best football of his Arsenal career. Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup gave him time to travel to Brazil and Argentina.
“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 encouraged his attacking influence by giving the left-back greater freedom to move forward while retaining his defensive responsibilities.
“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 knows Arsenal must start strongly in Naples.
“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.”
