Red Bull Salzburg vs AC Milan Preview: Team News, Lineups and Prediction

UEFA Europa League  -  Red Bull Salzburg VS AC Milan
Match Time:16-10-2026 00:45 Friday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Red Bull Salzburg will welcome AC Milan to the Red Bull Arena on Thursday, October 15, for a UEFA Europa League league-phase encounter. While Salzburg began their European campaign with a victory, Milan are looking to recover from an opening-match defeat and secure their first points in the competition.

Team Analysis
Red Bull SalzburgRed Bull Salzburg head into this fixture in impressive form under manager Danny Röhl, having gone 15 consecutive competitive matches without defeat, recording 11 wins and four draws. Their European campaign also started positively, with a narrow 1-0 victory away to Levski Sofia.
Salzburg followed that result with a goalless draw against Grazer AK in the Austrian Bundesliga. They currently sit second in the domestic standings, three points behind leaders Rapid Vienna.

The Austrian side will take confidence from their recent performances and home advantage. However, their record against AC Milan offers little encouragement, as Salzburg have yet to defeat the Italian club in four previous meetings. They will need to make the most of their attacking opportunities while remaining disciplined against Milan's experienced players.

AC Milan
AC Milan arrive in Austria determined to respond after losing 2-0 at home to Benfica in their Europa League opener. Despite enjoying considerable possession and creating pressure in the opposition penalty area, Ruben Amorim's side failed to find the net.

Their domestic form has been more encouraging. Milan defeated Lecce 3-0 before drawing 1-1 with Sassuolo in their most recent Serie A fixture. They remain unbeaten in their opening six league matches and have suffered only one defeat across all competitions this season.

Milan also have a strong historical record against Austrian opposition, winning nine of their 13 previous encounters. Their experience at European level could prove important, although defensive injuries and the possibility of squad rotation may complicate their task.

Player Situation
Red Bull Salzburg Team NewsSalzburg have several players unavailable, including Nikolas Veratschnig, Soumaila Diabate and Enrique Aguilar. Their absences could influence Röhl's selection, particularly as the team prepares to face a more experienced European opponent.

Haris Tabakovic and Karim Konate are competing for the centre-forward position, with both contributing to Salzburg's goalscoring efforts in the Austrian Bundesliga. Edmund Baidoo and Bartosz Mazurek are also players to watch, while Christian Zawieschitzky is expected to feature in goal if selected.

Possible Red Bull Salzburg XI: Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Boma, Drexler, Schmid; Mazurek, Barry; Baidoo, Kitano, Vertessen; Konate.AC Milan Team NewsMilan will be without Mattia Gabbia, who suffered a thigh injury against Sassuolo and faces a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines. Alexis Saelemaekers is also unavailable, meaning Amorim will have to adjust his defensive and wide options.

The Milan manager could rotate his lineup ahead of another demanding domestic fixture against Atalanta. Christian Pulisic, Alphadjo Cisse, Diego Moreira, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Omari Hutchinson are among the players hoping to earn starting places.

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric could also feature, bringing valuable experience to the visitors' midfield. Goncalo Ramos is expected to lead the attack as Milan attempt to improve their efficiency in front of goal.

Possible AC Milan XI: Maignan; Tomori, De Winter, Pavlovic; Chukwueze, Musah, Modric, Bartesaghi; Pulisic, Cisse; Ramos.

Result Prediction
Salzburg's unbeaten run makes them a difficult opponent, particularly at home. Their pressing intensity, youthful attacking options and confidence under Röhl should allow them to challenge Milan throughout the contest.

Nevertheless, Milan possess greater experience in high-level European football and have generally performed consistently in domestic competition this season. The visitors will be eager to avoid a second consecutive Europa League defeat, but Gabbia's absence could leave them vulnerable defensively.
Salzburg have the momentum, while Milan have the individual quality to compete. With both teams capable of finding the net, a closely fought draw appears to be a reasonable outcome.

Prediction
Red Bull Salzburg 1-1 AC Milan