Pep Guardiola’s side have somewhat underachieved in this competition since their triumph in the 2022-2023 campaign.
Last season they finished outside the top eight in the new league phase and lost 6-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid in the knockout phase play-off, thus failing to make the quarter-final for the first time since 2016-17.
Man City will be keen to get off to a positive start this time but standing in their way are the Serie A champions and a familiar face in Kevin De Bruyne.
The Man City legend made the move to Italy upon being released in the summer and is set for an immediate reunion with his former club and team-mates.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Man City vs Napoli is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The match will take place at the Etihad Stadium.
Where to watch Man City vs Napoli
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports. Coverage starts at 7pm BST on TNT Sports 2 ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog!
Man City vs Napoli team news
Man City will hope to welcome back John Stones from injury after the central defender missed the Manchester derby at the weekend with a knock suffered while on international duty with England.
Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Cherki are long-term absentees, Omar Marmoush misses out with a knee injury, Rayan Ait-Nouri is doubtful and Kalvin Phillips is ineligible due to not being named in City’s Champions League squad.
As this fixture falls just three days before a trip to Arsenal in the Premier League, it’s likely to be balancing act for Guardiola in terms of the team selection.
Rodri could be rested while the likes of Savinho, Oscar Bobb, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis will be pushing for starts.
Napoli should be the fresher of the two teams having played a day before Man City at the weekend and Antonio Conte has no fresh injury concerns with Romelu Lukaku the big-name absentee.
De Bruyne is likely to start against his former club alongside ex-Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay with Rasmus Hojlund, on loan from the Red Devils, set to lead the line having scored on his Napoli debut against Fiorentina.
Back in town: Kevin De Bruyne
Getty Images
Man City vs Napoli prediction
Conte will have his side well-drilled defensively with the hope of catching the hosts on the counter attack. Nothing can be won or lost on the first matchday and we can see this one ending all square.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be just a fifth competitive meeting between the two sides and first since the group phase during the 2017-2018 season.
Man City vs Napoli match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
