Credits: IMAGO / Giuseppe Maffia

Manchester City vs Napoli Head to Head: Who Holds the Edge in Overall Record Ahead of Champions League Clash?

Credits: IMAGO / Giuseppe Maffia

Manchester City are set to kick off their Champions League campaign with a high-profile clash against Napoli at the Etihad on Thursday night. It’s a match that marks Kevin De Bruyne’s rapid return to his former home. The Belgian midfielder joined the Serie A champions this summer.

He will now face Pep Guardiola’s side for the first time since his departure. And as per the Man City boss, he is excited for the return of his pupil. City are entering the tie buoyed by a commanding 3-0 derby win over Manchester United, a result they are hoping sparks a turnaround.

Our #UCL campaign begins tonight! ✨

City vs Napoli. 20:00 (UK) 🩵 pic.twitter.com/Y88YsccHcR
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 18, 2025

Especially after an inconsistent start to the season and a poor European showing last year. The 2023 winners have struggled in recent Champions League outings. They’ve lost four of their last five matches. However, notably, they are still formidable at home.

They are holding on to an 21-game unbeaten streak in group League Phase fixtures in the tournament. Meanwhile, Napoli are arriving with a perfect Serie A start under Antonio Conte. They reigning Italian champions are looking to finally break their hoodoo on English soil in European competition.

Manchester City vs Napoli Head to Head Record

Taking official competitions into consideration, the head-to-head record between Manchester City and Napoli stands at:

Total Matches: 4
Man City wins: 2
Draws: 1
Napoli wins: 1

Also Read: Manchester City vs Napoli Preview, Betting Odds and Predictions – 18/08/25

The two sides last met in the 2017-18 Champions League group stage. And Man City won both encounters that term. A 2-1 win at the Etihad was followed by a 4-2 win in Naples. And Sergio Aguero became City’s all-time leading scorer there. Overall, they’ve only met four times in total. City have won twice, Napoli oce, and one match ended in a draw.

Manchester City vs Napoli Recent Head to Head Scores

Home Team	Away Team	Date	Scoreline	Competition
Napoli	Manchester City	Nov 01, 2017	Man City Win: 2-4	Champions League Group Stage
Manchester City	Napoli	Oct 17, 2017	Man City Win: 2-1	Champions League Group Stage
Napoli	Manchester City	Nov 22, 2011	Napoli Win: 2-1	Champions League Group Stage
Manchester City	Napoli	Sep 14, 2011	Draw: 1-1	Champions League Group Stage

Also Read: Manchester City vs Napoli: Top Goalscorer, Top Assist Odds, Key Player to Watch, and More

Man City vs Napoli Champions League 2025-26 Team News

Guardiola is navigating through a number of injuries. Man City will be without Omar Marmoush, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mateo Kovacic, while John Stones is a doubt. The coach may rotate, with Rico Lewis, Nathan Ake and Oscar Bobb pushing for starts. Erling Haaland, on 49 Champions League goals, is expected to lead the front line, aiming to create history.

Napoli are handling their share of injuries as well. They remain without Romelu Lukaku, Amir Rrahmani, Nikita Contini and Alex Meret because of injuries. Kevin De Bruyne is set for a starting role against his former club. Whereas, Rasmus Hojlund will have to compete with Lorenzo Lucca for the striker spot. Scott McTominay is likely to start, though Billy Gilmour may begin on the bench.

Champions League

Manchester City

Manchester City vs Napoli

Napoli

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.