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Napoli vs. Chelsea: Champions League Clash Set for Tuesday

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 10:23 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED KINGDOM, ITALY

Naples, Italy - February 24th, 2026 - The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will be a cauldron of noise tonight as Napoli hosts Chelsea in the first leg of their highly anticipated Champions League Round of 16 tie. Both teams arrive with contrasting Premier League/Serie A form, setting the stage for a compelling encounter. While Napoli are riding a wave of momentum in Italy, Chelsea are desperately seeking a European boost after a turbulent domestic run.

This match represents more than just a game; it's a test of resilience for Chelsea and a chance for Napoli to solidify their position as genuine Champions League contenders. Napoli, under the continued leadership of manager Walter Mazzarri (as of late 2025 reports), has become a tactical force, renowned for their dynamic attacking play and rock-solid defense. Their recent form - a mixed bag of wins, losses and draws (W-L-W-W-D) - belies a team that consistently performs when it matters most, particularly at home.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are still finding their feet under manager Mauricio Pochettino (who remains in the role, despite consistent speculation regarding his future). While flashes of brilliance have been evident, consistency remains an issue. Their recent Premier League loss has amplified the pressure, making a strong showing in the Champions League crucial for morale and potentially, Pochettino's job security. The Blues' recent form (L-W-W-L-W) indicates a team capable of upsets, but vulnerable to defensive lapses.

Match Details:

• Competition: Champions League Round of 16, First Leg
• Teams: Napoli vs. Chelsea
• Date: Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. local time (Naples, Italy)
• Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples, Italy

Tactical Outlook:

Napoli is expected to employ their signature 4-3-3 formation, utilizing the pace of their wingers and the creative midfield maestro Piotr Zielinski to unlock the Chelsea defense. Victor Osimhen, Napoli's prolific striker, will be the focal point of the attack, and Chelsea's center-backs will have their hands full containing him. Napoli's defensive solidity, built around the experienced Kalidou Koulibaly, will make it difficult for Chelsea to create clear-cut chances.

Chelsea is likely to adopt a more cautious approach, potentially utilizing a 3-5-2 formation to provide defensive stability and launch counter-attacks. The key to their success will be their ability to control the midfield battle and prevent Napoli from dictating the tempo. New signing, Enzo Fernandez, will be pivotal in breaking up play and initiating attacks. Chelsea's attacking threat will likely revolve around Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson, but they will need significant support from their midfield.

Where to Watch - Global Broadcast Details:

Football fans around the world have multiple options to witness this Champions League encounter:

• United States: Fans in the U.S. can catch all the action live on Paramount+ with Showtime. The streaming service will offer a high-quality broadcast, including pre- and post-match analysis.
• United Kingdom: British viewers can tune into the match on TNT Sports 2. The game will also be available for streaming via Discovery+.
• Canada: Canadian football enthusiasts can stream the game live on Paramount+.
• Australia: Australian fans can watch the match on Stan Sport.

Key Players to Watch:

• Napoli: Victor Osimhen (Striker), Piotr Zielinski (Midfielder), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Defender)
• Chelsea: Enzo Fernandez (Midfielder), Raheem Sterling (Forward), Thiago Silva (Defender)

Looking Ahead:

The first leg in Naples is crucial for both teams. A positive result for Napoli would put them in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals, while Chelsea will need to avoid defeat to give themselves a chance in the return leg at Stamford Bridge. The Champions League continues to deliver thrilling drama, and this match promises to be no exception. Fans can expect a fierce battle, tactical intrigue, and potentially, a glimpse of the future Champions League winners.