Di Lorenzo: 'Napoli defended too deep, but we knew Arsenal were strong'
Quick summary
Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo acknowledged that his team sat too deep defensively in their match against Arsenal, conceding the Gunners' quality forced the deeper block.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceNapoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo admits they ‘defended a little too deep’ against Arsenal and are smarting after three defeats, but not all is lost in the Champions League.
It was a frustrating evening at the Stadio Maradona , as although they knew that the Gunners would dominate possession, the hosts were only undone by a Martin Odegaard curler off the inside of the far post.
NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Amir Rrahmani of SSC Napoli competes for the ball with Victor Gyokeres of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) Alex Meret made a couple of big saves, but went off with a muscular injury, as did Alisson Santos, leaving the decimated squad with even fewer alternatives.
Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour were rushed back for their first starts of the season and had to play 94 minutes, as Scott McTominay, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Alessandro Buongiorno, Luca Marianucci and Giovane were out of action.
David Neres was only fit for the bench, with Noa Lang left out due to disciplinary measures.
Di Lorenzo frustrated at Napoli defeat NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images) “We knew that we were up against a great side with a lot of quality. Once again, we defended a little too deep, but it wasn’t easy to cover all the spaces. We also had a few potential scoring opportunities where we could’ve done better on the final ball,” Di Lorenzo told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s disappointing for the result, but we have another seven games to try and earn our qualification for the next phase.”
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 0-1 Arsenal
Napoli were hoping to improve on Antonio Conte’s Champions League record, but have now failed to win any of their last four matches in the competition.
It is their longest negative streak since 2005 and a bad start to this format.
NAPLES, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 09: Bukayo Saka of Arsenal runs with the ball under pressure from Stanislav Lobotka of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between SSC Napoli and Arsenal FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 09, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) “After three defeats in a row, the confidence is certainly not great, because we want to do well, but we’ve got to keep working, doing what the coach asks,” added Di Lorenzo.
“It is only the beginning, details make the difference at this level and you get punished, so we must try to eliminate these errors and start getting positive results.
“Our heads are held high, we’re not happy with three defeats in a row, but we’ve got to keep working and improve from the next matches. This is a squad that always had the right attitude, so even though we were up against a strong team, we worked as a unit.”
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What happened
Following Napoli's fixture against Arsenal, club captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo reflected publicly on the team's tactical approach, admitting the side defended too deep for large spells. The Italian defender suggested the team was aware of Arsenal's attacking strength going into the match and opted for a conservative defensive setup as a result. Di Lorenzo's comments hint at possible tactical adjustments going forward, with the squad likely looking to press higher and assert themselves more in possession. The remarks come as Napoli continue their campaign and seek to balance defensive solidity with a more proactive style against elite opposition.
Chance analysis
Di Lorenzo's admission that Napoli sat too deep against Arsenal is a candid look at a tactical choice that often divides opinion among supporters and analysts. Acknowledging Arsenal's threat is reasonable, but defending deep in your own half is a high-risk strategy that can invite pressure and limit a team's own attacking output. For Napoli, the takeaway is a clear signal that the coaching staff and players recognise the need to strike a better balance — to respect elite opponents without surrendering territory entirely. It also suggests a squad mature enough to self-assess honestly in public, which is often a positive sign for a team still building its European pedigree.
Napoli's self-criticism on defensive depth could lead to a more aggressive tactical approach in upcoming fixtures, particularly against top-tier opposition.