Alessandro Del Piero names Arsenal star who ‘thrived’ against Napoli

Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero believes Arsenal were a class above Napoli in their Champions League victory over the Serie A giants.

The Gunners came up just short in their bid to conquer Europe last season, beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Budapest.

They got their new European campaign off to a winning start on Wednesday with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples with Martin Odegaard’s second-half effort the difference between the two sides.

The Norway international has enjoyed a superb start to the season after struggling with form and fitness at stages during last term’s title-winning campaign.

Del Piero, on punditry duty for Sky Sports Italia for last night’s game; lauded Arsenal’s physical qualities and the strength of their squad with Mikel Arteta able to call upon Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis as second-half substitutes.

He believes Arsenal’s approach allowed Odegaard in particular to cause havoc.

‘Napoli were the ones who were tired in the 80th minute, not Arsenal, because Arsenal kept the ball more, given their style of play,’ del Piero told Sky Sports Italia.

‘Players like Odegaard thrive in a game like that, having had an amazing year behind them. From a psychological standpoint, something comes into play there.

‘Saka or the Arsenal wingers could attack with fresh legs, while Napoli’s had to chase for three minutes and then be asked to turn the play around.

‘It’s not just tiredness, but the style of play, positioning, confidence, and the quality of more established players on the one hand.’

Arsenal take on Sunderland away from home on Saturday night and return to Champions League action on 13 October when they host Lille.

The Gunners head to Bayern Munich for their toughest test of the league phase in October with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid to come at home before the year is out.