Napoli Run Riot in Six-Goal Friendly Win over Aris Thessaloniki

Napoli put on a devastating attacking display as they thrashed Aris Thessaloniki 6-2 in a pre-season friendly on August 13, 2026. The Italian side were 3-0 up within the first 25 minutes and never looked back, entertaining the home crowd with a clinical performance in front of goal.

First-Half Dominance

The match was effectively over shortly after half-time. Napoli's high-pressing game forced Aris into multiple errors in their own half, and the Serie A outfit capitalised ruthlessly. The first goal came just nine minutes in after a poor clearance from the Aris goalkeeper was headed straight back into the net. Two quick-fire goals followed, with the third being a sumptuous team move that involved 14 passes before a low cross was turned in at the far post.

Aris pulled one back before the break with a well-struck volley from the edge of the box, but a Napoli penalty in first-half stoppage time restored the three-goal cushion. The second half followed a similar pattern, with Napoli adding a fifth and sixth goal before Aris scored a late consolation.

Key Moments in Numbers

• 9' – Napoli open the scoring after a terrible defensive mix-up
• 19' – A curled finish from the edge of the box makes it 2-0
• 24' – The third goal arrives via a sweeping counter-attack
• 42' – Aris finally break their duck with a stunning volley
• 45+1' – Napoli convert from the penalty spot to make it 4-1
• 67' – Napoli's number 9 scores his second with a header
• 73' – Substitute adds the sixth with an easy tap-in
• 88' – Aris net a second late goal to add some respectability

Player Performances

Napoli's front three proved too hot to handle, combining for five of the six goals. The star of the show was the Italian international striker, who completed a hat-trick of assists as well as scoring one himself. The Napoli manager will have been delighted with the intensity and sharpness shown by his attackers, although there will be some concern over the ease with which Aris managed to get behind the defence on two occasions.

Aris Thessaloniki, currently preparing for their European qualifiers, used the game as a fitness workout rather than a real competitive exam. Their coach was pragmatic afterwards, noting that the 2-6 scoreline did not reflect the work his team put in, but acknowledged that defensive lapses were punished at this level.

Moving Forward

Napoli's pre-season has been marked by heavy scoring performances, with this being their second game in a row with at least six goals. Their sharp attacking form is a positive sign for the approaching Serie A season, where they will be aiming to challenge for the title once again. Aris, meanwhile, must tighten up defensively as they prepare for their league campaign, which kicks off in less than three weeks.