Glenn Nyberg, 37, will referee the first match of the Champions League domestic season between Napoli and Arsenal on Wednesday evening at 9:00 PM at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The Swede will be assisted by his compatriots Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist, and Adam Ladebäck as fourth official. Spaniard Carlos del Cerro Grande has been appointed to referee the match, with Frenchman Jérôme Brisard as assistant referee.
Nyberg is no stranger to Fuorigrotta: in 2023, he was fourth official in the European quarterfinals between Napoli and AC Milan. He has already refereed Arsenal in the Champions League, including the first leg of the 2024 quarterfinal against Bayern Munich. He therefore has extensive international experience for a match that promises to be tense and high-level.
For Massimiliano Allegri's Napoli, this is the first real European test of the season. The Azzurri arrive after two consecutive defeats in Serie A: 1-2 at home to Como and 3-2 at San Siro against Inter, after leading 2-0. Five goals conceded in two games, costly defensive errors, and the need for an immediate response. Allegri himself, after the Nerazzurri defeat, called for calm and less carelessness: "Now let's focus on the Champions League."
On the other side is one of the most in-form and well-structured teams on the continent. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are the reigning champions of England and finished as finalists in the last Champions League, losing to PSG. They have won every competitive match this season, including the 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea. Solid away from home, with a deep squad and a well-established playing style, the Gunners are the favorites.
Precedents don't help the Neapolitans: in 2019, Arsenal won 1-0 at the Maradona in the Europa League quarterfinals. In 2013, in the Champions League, they each won one match in their group. This time, however, the context is different. The Maradona is preparing for a great European night, with around 55 spectators expected and the Champions League anthem playing again at Fuorigrotta. For Allegri and his team, it will be a chance to rekindle their enthusiasm after a difficult start to the season and prove they can compete even against a powerful team.
A challenge of character, more than just numbers. Napoli will have to limit mistakes, exploit home advantage, and keep pace with a team that, right now, is among the most fearsome in Europe.



