Johan Cruijff Arena forms the backdrop as out-of-form Ajax take on high-flying Napoli in a top-table Champions League Group A six-pointer.
Since succumbing to PSV Eindhoven on the Super Cup touchline debut, new Ajax boss Alfred Schreuder had guided his side to seven consecutive victories across all competitions.
The Amsterdam outfit’s life in the post-Erik ten Hag era was going swimmingly before Liverpool knocked them off their perch in the previous Champions League round.
A heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Anfield not only knocked the Lancers down from a seven-game winning streak, but they’ve since gone winless in back-to-back domestic outings (D1, L1).
Now winless in three consecutive matches for the first time since 2020, the reigning Eredivisie champions head into proceedings keen to return to winning ways and revive their Champions League progression bid.
Schreuder’s men thumped last season’s Europa League beaten finalists Rangers 4-0 in their opening Group A fixture in Amsterdam, ye Napoli will put their European credentials to the test.
Luciano Spalletti’s men have won both Champions League encounters this season via an aggregate score of 7-1, including a 4-1 thrashing of Liverpool on day one.
The Partonepei followed their sublime showing against the Reds with a 3-0 victory at Ibrox Stadium, bolstering their hopes of making it to the Champions League knock-outs for the second time in three years.
Match Preview
Ajax
Seeking a fresh start following an underwhelming 1-1 home draw with Eredivisie minnows Go Ahead Eagles at the weekend, Ajax will be out to defy their dismal 27% win rate against Italian clubs (W13, D18, L18).
That could prove easier said than done, as the Lancers have won none of their last 11 home clashes against Serie A visitors across major European competitions (D6, L5) since beating Roma 2-1 in 2002.
In stark contrast to their disappointing form against the Italians, Ajax have won their four previous home games in the Champions League group stages, netting precisely four goals in the last three in a row.
Napoli
Inspired by former Fulham man Andre Zambo Anguissa, Napoli picked fellow Serie A rivals Torino apart at the weekend, cruising to a 3-1 home triumph to maintain a 100% unbeaten Serie A start (W6, D2).
Spalletti’s lads have been equally impressive in the Champions League this season as they enter this round as the most prolific side in the competition with seven goals.
Another potential success in the Netherlands would see Napoli win their opening three matches of a new Champions League season for the first time in the club’s history. So motivation won’t be in short supply.
Ajax vs Napoli Potential Line-ups
Ajax (4-3-3): Remko Pasveer; Devyne Rencsh, Jurrien Timber, Calvin Bassey, Daley Blind; Steven Berghuis, Edson Alvarez, Kenneth Taylor; Dusan Tadic, Mohammed Kudus, Steven Bergwijn.
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Alex Meret; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Amir Rrahmani, Kim Min-jae, Mario Rui; Andre Zambo Anguissa, Stanislav Lobotka; Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Piotr Zielinski, Matteo Politano; Giovanni Simeone.
How to Watch?
Ajax vs Napoli, alongside all other matches in Europe’s most prestigious club competition this season, is available to watch online via Champions League live streams.
And if you are interested in attending a future Champions League game, see our Champions League tickets page for more information.
Ajax vs Napoli Prediction
Ajax can pack a punch on their day, but Napoli have momentum firmly on their side, and we expect the Italians to take home all three points.
Both sides should get on the scoresheet, nonetheless, with Spalletti’s side likely to come out on top of what will be a keenly-contested fixture.
Ajax 1-2 Napoli
