AC Milan face Salzburg in high-pressure Europa League match after Benfica loss

AC Milan travel to Red Bull Salzburg on October 15, 2026, for their second match of the Europa League league phase, with kickoff at 18:45 CET at the Red Bull Arena. The Italian club enters under significant pressure following a 2-0 home defeat to Benfica in their opening fixture, a result that leaves them searching for points in Austria. Coach Ruben Amorim faces a tactical challenge: rotating the squad to manage fatigue and injuries ahead of a Serie A match against Atalanta this weekend, while still pursuing a positive European result.

Amorim has made several bold selection decisions for the Salzburg fixture. Young striker Francesco Camarda receives his first start of the season in a three-man attacking setup alongside Alphadjo Cissé, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Omari Hutchinson. Experienced players Luka Modrić, Gonçalo Ramos, and Mario Gila have been rested. Notably, Fikayo Tomori returns to the starting lineup for his first appearance of the campaign after being sidelined during the summer transfer window. Milan will employ a flexible three-man defence with Tomori, Koni De Winter, and Strahinja Pavlović.

RB Salzburg enter the match in contrasting form. The Austrian club claimed a 1-0 victory over Levski Sofia in their opening Europa League match, with striker Haris Tabaković scoring the decisive goal. Salzburg remain unbeaten across five UEFA matches this season, recording four wins and one draw while maintaining three consecutive clean sheets. Goalkeeper Christian Zawieschitzky has recovered from an adductor issue to start, while winger Jesper Lindström—on loan from Napoli—features in their lineup.

Historical records favour Milan in this matchup. The two clubs have met four times in European competition, with Milan winning three matches and drawing one, giving the Italian side the upper hand in their head-to-head record. However, Salzburg's home record and unbeaten UEFA run this season present a formidable challenge. Milan's squad rotation—driven by injury concerns and the need to manage players' workload—introduces uncertainty, though it also reflects Amorim's confidence in the club's youth prospects.