Naples city guide: Key information for Arsenal fans

Arsenal will begin their 2026-27 Champions League campaign on Wednesday, September 9, when Mikel Arteta's side travel to Italy to face Napoli.

The Gunners reached the Champions League final last season and will be hoping to go one better this time around, but they face a difficult opening assignment against the Italian champions at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The match will kick off at 9pm local time in Italy, giving travelling Arsenal supporters plenty of opportunity to explore one of the country’s most distinctive cities before heading to the stadium.

For those making the trip, Football Ground Guide looks at some of the main things Arsenal fans need to know before heading to Naples.

What is Naples like for away fans?

Naples is a very different proposition to Brugge or some of Arsenal's other past European destinations.

The city is busy, noisy and full of character, with football playing a huge part in everyday life. Napoli supporters have a particularly strong connection with their club, while the legacy of Diego Maradona remains visible throughout the city.

The historic centre is the obvious place for travelling supporters to spend the day, with attractions including Spaccanapoli, the Spanish Quarter, Piazza del Plebiscito and the seafront all within relatively easy reach of one another.

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is in the Fuorigrotta district, to the west of the historic centre. It is several kilometres from the main tourist areas, meaning Arsenal fans are likely to spend much of their pre-match time in central Naples before making their way towards the stadium.

It is worth allowing plenty of time for the journey, particularly on matchday, when public transport and the roads around the stadium are expected to be considerably busier.

Where to eat and drink in Naples

Naples is famous for its food, and Arsenal supporters will have plenty of choice before the game.

Pizza is obviously the city's speciality, with Neapolitan pizza being one of the main reasons tourists visit Naples. Pasta dishes, fried street food and traditional Neapolitan desserts are also worth trying.

The Spanish Quarter and streets around Via Toledo are particularly convenient for fans staying in the city centre.

For traditional Neapolitan food, Trattoria da Concetta on Via Speranzella is one option in the Spanish Quarter.

Another option is Trattoria Quartieri Spagnoli, which is located close to Via Toledo and offers a straightforward introduction to local cuisine.

For something more casual, Ciccio Fri is another central option.

Arsenal fans looking for somewhere to have a drink before making their way towards the stadium can also consider OAK Napoli Wine And Craft Beer or Blind Pig – Hideout Drinkery.

As with any major European away trip, supporters should avoid becoming too intoxicated before heading to the stadium and should follow any instructions issued by the authorities.

What should Arsenal fans see in Naples?

If you are arriving a day or two before the match, Naples has more than enough to keep you occupied.

The historic centre is the natural starting point. Spaccanapoli cuts through the heart of the old city, while the nearby Spanish Quarter is known for its narrow streets, restaurants and traditional atmosphere.

Piazza del Plebiscito and the waterfront are also worth visiting, while football supporters may want to make time for some of the many places around Naples associated with Maradona.

Fans staying for longer could also consider a trip to Pompeii. The archaeological site remains one of the region's biggest attractions, although supporters travelling on matchday should avoid planning an ambitious excursion too close to kick-off.

Pompeii currently operates timed admission arrangements and has introduced limits on daily visitors, so those planning to visit should check the latest ticket information before travelling.

How to get to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is located in Fuorigrotta, around six kilometres from Naples Central Station.

The stadium has a capacity of around 54,700, while the listed away section capacity is 2,482.

The simplest option for many Arsenal supporters travelling from the city centre will be public transport.

Naples' Line 2 provides access towards the stadium, with Napoli Piazza Leopardi among the useful stations for supporters. From there, it is around a 13-minute walk to the stadium, according to the city's official tourist information.

Another option is to travel towards the Fuorigrotta area and continue on foot, although supporters should expect significant crowds around the ground.

Arsenal fans should leave plenty of time for the journey rather than relying on arriving shortly before kick-off.

Where will Arsenal fans sit?

The away section at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is located in the northeast corner of the stadium, between Curva A and the Tribuna Posillipo.

The section covers both tiers and can feel relatively narrow. FootballGroundGuide's stadium guide also notes that the athletics track means supporters in the upper section can feel further away from the pitch.

The stadium is renowned for its atmosphere, with Napoli's Curva A and Curva B providing much of the noise.

Arsenal supporters should therefore expect a considerably different experience to a number of the more compact stadiums they visit in European competition.

What is the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona like?

The stadium was opened in 1959 and was previously known as the Stadio San Paolo before being renamed after Maradona following the Argentine legend's death in 2020.

Maradona remains an almost mythical figure in Naples after leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in 1987 and helping them win the UEFA Cup in 1989 before another league title followed in 1990.

The stadium is therefore about much more than simply watching a football match.

Italy's official tourism website describes the ground as being famous for its intense atmosphere, despite the running track leaving supporters some distance from the pitch.

Arsenal fans should also be aware that the away facilities are not regarded as being among the most modern in European football.

The current stadium guide highlights relatively basic toilet and concourse facilities, so supporters should be prepared for an old-school European away-day experience.

Getting from Naples Airport to the city centre

Naples International Airport is relatively close to the city, making the trip straightforward for travelling supporters.

The Alibus provides a direct connection between the airport, Naples Central Station and the port.

The airport's official information states that the journey to Napoli Centrale takes approximately 15 minutes, while the journey to the port takes around 35 minutes. Tickets can also be purchased at vending machines in the airport arrivals area.

Napoli Centrale is particularly useful for supporters staying near the historic centre, while the port is another convenient option depending on where you are staying.

Where should Arsenal fans stay?

For supporters who want to experience Naples properly, staying in or around the historic centre is likely to be the most convenient option.

Areas around Centro Storico, Via Toledo and the Spanish Quarter put visitors close to many of the city's main attractions, restaurants and bars.

Those who prioritise being close to the stadium could instead look towards Fuorigrotta.

LHP Napoli Palace & SPA is located in the Fuorigrotta area, while B&B Anthea Napoli is another option nearby.

For supporters staying in the centre, there are numerous hotels and apartments within walking distance of Via Toledo and the historic centre.

Practical information for Arsenal fans

The currency in Naples is the euro, and cards are widely accepted across the city. Having some cash available is still sensible for smaller businesses and street-food vendors.

Italian is the main language, although English is commonly spoken in hotels and tourist areas.

Arsenal supporters should also keep their passport and match ticket details easily accessible, particularly when travelling to the stadium.

Naples is a busy city and supporters should take normal precautions with valuables, particularly in crowded areas and on public transport.

Most importantly, fans should follow any specific instructions issued by Arsenal, Napoli, UEFA and local authorities regarding the meeting point, ticket collection, away entrance and permitted items.

The stadium's official regulations can also change for individual fixtures, so supporters should check the latest match-specific information before travelling.

FGG Says: Naples promises a memorable European away day

Naples is one of the most distinctive destinations Arsenal fans could have been given for the opening Champions League match of the season.

The city offers considerably more than just a football match, from its world-famous pizza and historic streets to the enduring influence of Maradona.

The main thing travelling supporters need to remember is that the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is not in the heart of the tourist district. Arsenal fans should enjoy the city centre during the day but leave themselves plenty of time to reach Fuorigrotta.

With Napoli's passionate support creating an intimidating atmosphere inside the stadium, this should be one of Arsenal's most memorable away trips of the 2026-27 Champions League campaign.