AC MILAN v FC SALZBURG: MATCH PREVIEW
Champions League
AC Milan and FC Salzburg will battle it out for second place in Group E in a decisive match. If the Austrians have to win to continue their journey in Europe's most prestigious tournament, the Rossoneri have to avoid defeat to get through to the Champions League knockout stage for the first time since 2014. Kick-off at 21:00 CET. In our Match Preview we present all the topics of this highly anticipated fixture.
MILANELLO
Victory in Zagreb put AC Milan back in the drivers seat and thus play for the prestigious qualification to the knockout stage of the tournament in front of a home crowd. The first change of the day compared to the match in Croatia is Fikayo Timori's return from suspension, who should resume his role in the centre of defence alongside Simon Kjær. Kalulu and Hernández either side of them, and Bennacer and Tonali starting in midfield. Giroud will lead the attack, and behind him Leão will try to strike from the left flank, while Díaz and Messias should complete the team. Rebić and De Ketelaere are the main attacking alternatives available, Origi is ready to contribute too.
"We don't know how to take our feet off the pedal, that's not the way we play. We have to attack, knowing that the opponent can be dangerous from the restart, but trying to play our game with great awareness and clarity in our choices," Stefano Pioli said on the eve of the match. "If our opponents expect to find the AC Milan that played in Turin, they will be disappointed. We have to put in the best performance possible."
NOW, FC SALZBURG
A home defeat to Chelsea complicated the Austrians' European journey, and they must now win at the San Siro to avoid elimination. Matthias Jaissle's side can take confidence from their performances away from home in the Champions League as they are unbeaten in their two away matches this season, where they have earned two 1-1 draws. Noah Okafor, who scored at the weekend and is the Bulls' European top scorer with three goals to his name, will lead the attack along with one of Junior Adamu, who is not at his best and in doubt for the San Siro match, and the formidable Šeško. Absent Fernando and Capaldo among the starters from the first leg, while Sučić will act as finisher behind the points. Solet may not recover, with Bernardo ready to fill in for him.
"We will need courage, we have shown that we can hold our own against the Rossoneri. I expect an attacking AC Milan side," Jaissle commented in the press conference. "Who do I fear most? I don't want to mention anyone in particular. They have quality in all departments and we have a strong defence that was able to contain them even in the first leg."
WHERE TO WATCH AC MILAN ON TV
AC Milan v Salzburg will be broadcast live exclusively, from 21.00 CET, on Amazon Prime Video: it will be the second time this season for the Rossoneri on the streaming platform, with the match featuring Sandro Piccinini on commentary, accompanied by Massimo Ambrosini.
On the Rossoneri channels, on the other hand, the deal is with Milan TV's Matchday, available on SKY (channel 230), on the DAZN schedule or Amazon Prime Video Channels, on subscription for €3.99 per month with a fifteen-day free trial. The Rossoneri's live pre-match coverage will start at 7.30pm, until just before kick-off at Stamford Bridge. At the end, space will again be given to the studio and interviews with Coach Pioli and the players.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
The sixth and final day in the 2022/23 group stage. Here is the Group E programme:
AC Milan v FC Salisburgo, 2 November 21.00 CET (San Siro, Milan)
Chelsea-Dinamo Zagabria, 2 November 21.00 CET (Stamford Bridge, London)
Current standings: Chelsea 10, AC Milan 7, FC Salzburg 5 e Dynamo Zagreb 4.
REFEREE
Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz will referee, assisted by an all-Iberian trio consisting of assistants Devìs and Palomar and fourth man de Burgos. For the experienced referee, who refereed the 2021 Champions League final, this will be his first time with AC Milan. On VAR will be Hernández, assisted by German Dankert.
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