Video: Di Lorenzo sees red for Haaland challenge after 20 minutes against Man City | OneFootball

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was shown a straight red card after a VAR check for denying Erling Haaland a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity 20 minutes into Napoli’s first Champions League match of the season, away against Manchester City at The Etihad.

You can follow the action from Man City vs. Napoli as it unfolds on the Football Italia Liveblog.

Napoli began their Champions League campaign away against Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side, but were reduced to 10 men after a mix-up at the back just 20 minutes in.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli leaves the pitch after being shown a red card for a foul on Erling Haaland of Manchester City (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Just after a Napoli corner, which saw Sam Beukema draw the best out of Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Partenopei were put on the back foot.

Beukema, having got himself back in position, attempted to head clear Donnarumma’s long ball up the field, but his intervention landed at the feet of Phil Foden.

Beukema was caught out of position, which created the space for the onrunning Haaland, who received the pass and was almost one-on-one with Vanja Milinklovic-Savic in the Napoli net.

Di Lorenzo attempted to make a last-ditch intervention, but was not able to catch the ball before he caught the man.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Referee Felix Zwayer gestures as he speaks to Erling Haaland of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Though the on-field decision was no foul, the incident was referred to VAR as a potential denial of a clear and obvious goalscoring opportunity, and Di Lorenzo was duly sent off.

Watch: Di Lorenzo sent off in Man City vs. Napoli

Shortly afterwards, Antonio Conte decided to reshuffle, sacrificing Kevin De Bruyne less than 25 minutes into his return to the Etihad Stadium, bringing on full-back Mathias Olivera in his place.