Milan at Salzburg and Juventus at Celta Vigo open Thursday's Europa League action

Two Thursday fixtures in the second round

Milan and Juventus return to European action on Thursday, 15 October, in the second matchday of the Europa League league phase. Salzburg-Milan kicks off at 18:45 at the Red Bull Arena in Wals-Siezenheim, while Celta Vigo-Juventus follows at 21:00 at the Estadio de Balaidos. The programme carries 18 matches across the two kickoff times, and Sky Sport holds the television rights to the Salzburg game, with SkyGo and Now TV available for streaming. Romanian referee Horațiu Feșnic leads the Salzburg match, with Cătălin Popa on VAR. Both Italian clubs were left on the margins of the title race by their latest Serie A results, Milan after a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo and Juventus after a stalled draw at Cagliari.

Milan look to bounce back from Benfica

Milan lost their opener to Benfica at San Siro, and they now travel to a Salzburg side coming off six straight home wins. Salzburg beat Levski Sofia in their opener, with a goal from Haris Tabakovic, and have won five of eight domestic matchdays with 18 goals scored and four conceded. Milan have scored 13 goals in their last five games, against eight for Salzburg over the same span. Goncalo Ramos has not scored in 40 days, and a return to the net in Austria is priced at 2.40. Milan are chasing their first European win of the season.

Amorim on the Sacchi comparison and Camarda

At his press conference Ruben Amorim was asked how a team balances a proven system against players who decide matches, and the name of Arrigo Sacchi came up in that discussion. Amorim joked that Sacchi is like Mozart, then asked fans to be patient with the pace of change.

Times are different and it is important to explain this to our fans.

Amorim expects a fast Salzburg with strong technical quality, a side used to winning, and he said Milan must match their pace in the sprints. Youngster Camarda has played only 8 minutes in the first seven matches of the season, and Amorim praised his training without confirming a start. Several previews suggest the Salzburg game could be his chance.

Juventus travel to a club with similar problems

Juventus opened with a 5-0 win over NEC Nijmegen before drawing at Cagliari, where Kolo Muani scored and also hit the crossbar. Celta Vigo lost 1-0 to Omonia Nicosia in their opener and sit ninth in La Liga with 8 points from eight matches, having scored eight goals and won one. Coach Claudio Giraldez said the occasion is special for everyone and that Celta will need a perfect performance to win. Juventus have played at the Balaidos only once, on 9 March 2000, when they won the first leg of a Coppa UEFA last-16 tie 1-0 and then lost the return 4-0. Luciano Spalletti's side also faces tension after a difficult weekend, and a Sunday evening match against the Serie A leaders Lazio follows.

Team news and betting odds

Milan are without Gabbia, who was injured against Sassuolo, and Pavlovic is set to start. One preview says Tomori could return at centre-back, while another names De Winter alongside Gila and Pavlovic. Chukwueze is not fully fit, so Diego Moreira is expected on the right, with Rabiot and Modric in midfield and Pulisic, Cisse and Goncalo Ramos ahead. Juventus are expected to line up with Kolo Muani supported by Alajbegovic and Conceicao, with McKennie working between the lines. Celta will rely on Ferran Jutgla, Iago Aspas and Hugo Alvarez up front.

Sisal makes Milan the favourite at Salzburg at 2.05 for a Milan win, against 3.40 for an Austrian win and 3.60 for a draw. In Vigo, Juventus are priced at 2.10, Celta at 3.50 and the draw at 3.40. The Salzburg match is also expected to finish with more than three goals, priced at 1.57 against 2.25 for Under 2.50.