Manchester City and Chelsea's meeting in the Community Shield brings together two coaches who hold a deep mutual admiration for one another.
Pep Guardiola labelled Maurizio Sarri's Napoli one of the best sides in Europe last season as City shared a pair of thrilling Champions League group matches against the Serie A side, winning 2-1 in Manchester and 4-2 in Naples.
Napoli's swashbuckling attempts to unseat Juventus domestically persuaded Chelsea to make Sarri their sixth Italian boss when Antonio Conte's inevitable departure arrived at the start of pre-season.
The FA Cup holders face Premier League champions City in English football's traditional season curtain-raiser at Wembley on Sunday, but Guardiola and Sarri have already found time to acquaint themselves over a dinner date with ex-Italy boss Arrigo Sacchi during their vacations.