Why Arsenal are wearing red shorts vs Napoli in Champions League today


Arsenal will have a slightly different look for their Champions League opener against Napoli.
Arsenal and Napoli have met four times previously in European competition, with the Gunners unbeaten since a 2-0 reverse in the Champions League group phase back in December 2013.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who reached the final of the competition last season, have won just one of their last three Champions League games against Italian sides, that coming last season against Inter Milan in the San Siro.
A similar outcome tonight would be enough to begin the league phase of the Champions League on a positive note.
Despite Napoli being the home side today, Arsenal will still be able to wear their home kit due to there not being a colour clash. However, there’s a slight change to their look.
Why are Arsenal wearing red shorts against Napoli?
Arsenal are not wearing this season’s new red and white home kit in its entirety against Napoli.
Instead, the Gunners are wearing red shorts, instead of white, with the red home shirt.

The reason for this is due to strict UEFA regulations regarding kit clashes, so this is the solution to avoid any confusion with Napoli, who will be wearing white shorts with their light blue home shirt.
This isn’t the first time Arsenal have worn alternative shorts away from home in the Champions League. In fact, they done so in their first league phase fixture last season against Athletic Club.
Furthermore, they wore red shorts on their last visit to Naples during the 2018/19 season when Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal of the game as the Gunners progressed 3-0 on aggregate in the Europa League quarter-final.
