AC MILAN v FC SALZBURG: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Bouncing back from the defeat to Torino and qualifying for the Round of 16 of the Champions League: this is the goal of coach Pioli's team. Salzburg are coming to San Siro and the Rossoneri need either a win or a draw to make it into the sixteen greats of Europe. The Austrians lost at home to Chelsea in the last round of the competition, while the Rossoneri delivered a beating at Dinamo Zagreb's home ground and will be able to count on the support of their fans. Let's analyse the possible keys to the match.

THE ROLE OF THE STRIKERS
AC Milan always create a lot of chances but, on such an important night, they will have to rediscover that ruthlessness that they have often shown. Leading the attack, the usual Giroud will be competing with a re-discovered Origi. The Frenchman is favoured to start the match and will be called on to score more important goals. With the number 9 on the pitch, the Rossoneri style of play takes full advantage of the qualities of a striker who can impose himself in the aerial game and be a target man to his teammates, always being in the right place. In contrast, the Austrians' attacking unit relies on two strikers who constantly rotate across the offensive line. In fact, Okafor and Adamu's speed is one of their best skills, and they are used to switching positions frequently throughout the ninety minutes. Salzburg, however, can also count on physical forwards who are also strong in more fixed positions, including the promising Benjamin Šeško. It is precisely the Slovenian striker who will be Jaissle's weapon in the game, just as Divock Origi will be Pioli's.

SCORING THE OPENER AND KEEPING FOCUS
To break the deadlock means being able to loosen up, to play with more freedom and less frenzy. But not only that, giving your side the momentum also means giving yourself a lead to manage, letting the opponent run at you and then trying to strike on the counter to get the second. Both the Rossoneri and the Austrians will be trying everything to score first, and then exploit the spaces inevitably left open by the opposition, who will be forced to pour forward with numbers. AC Milan will therefore have to be extremely skilful in analysing the phases of the game, to assess with clarity and patience when to dribble and when to break forward. In addition to counter-attacks and breaks, a weapon not to be underestimated will be long-range shots, which cost Salzburg dearly in the last match against Chelsea, and good ways of troubling a well set-up defence, especially when they find themselves behind. In any case, defending the lead and getting rid of any nerves caused by the significance of the match will be key.

SUPPORT ON THE WINGS
Kalulu-Dest and Theo-Ballo-Touré are the pairs who will be competing for the Rossoneri full-back positions, the names in bold being the favourites. Ahead of them, Leão on one side and Messias on the other will often be double-teamed, so the support and overlapping of the Rossoneri's wingbacks will be crucial in freeing up space for their playmakers. However, they will have to play with balance and pay close attention to the whereabouts of the opposing forwards: Okafor and Adamu are used to spreading out to the outside to find space and then moving back inside.  It will also be important to find the right time and space to push forward and to cross into the box with the right mix of precision and quality, to surprise the veteran centre backs. Bringing on fresh legs from the bench could prove decisive in turning the game around.

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