Around a month ago it was reported in Italy that Napoli were planning a friendly against Arsenal as part of their preseason schedule.
The Serie A club were going to travel to England for a match at the Emirates. That was scheduled for July, with the Serie A season starting on August 22nd.
However, Monday’s edition of Corriere dello Sport reports the friendly idea is now off the table. The Italian newspaper explains the match plan ‘has been shelved’, and whilst the reason for that hasn’t ‘escaped’ the offices of the Naples club, there’s a suggestion it relates to the current pandemic.
Napoli are now expected to conduct much of their preseason in Italy, with a mini-tour to France possible. There’s set to be a match against Lyon, and another one on French soil, with the opponents for that yet to be agreed.
Arsenal are expected to go for a preseason camp in Scotland, with matches as part of the trip, and then play further games in London as they prepare for the Premier League season.
