Serie A returns from its World Cup break just days into the new year and champions AC Milan already know that they have little margin for error as they look to close the eight-point gap between themselves and runaway leaders Napoli. The Rossoneri travel to take on Salernitana in the first game of 2023 in what is Serie A’s Matchday 16.
Having already dropped points in five of their 15 games so far this term, Stefano Pioli and Milan will be desperate to start 2023 on the right foot. Napoli having to go north to Milan to face Inter in their first game back will give the champions hope that Luciano Spalletti’s side might drop points or perhaps even lose for the first time this domestic season.
Salernitana, meanwhile, are sitting far more comfortably than they were 12 months ago and look to be in no danger of a relegation fight. Davide Nicola has his side 12th with 17 points and 10 points above the relegation places.
Salernitana vs AC Milan: Predicted line-ups
AC Milan remain without long-term absentees Mike Maignan, Alessandro Florenzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Divock Origi, Rade Krunic, and Junior Messias are all expected to be sidelined through the duration of their absences remains unknown.
Only Sandro Tonali is at risk of a suspension with a booking, and no Milan players are suspended for their trip to Salerno.
For the hosts, Antonio Candreva is out with suspension and Giulio Maggiore, goalkeeper Luigi Sepe and Pasquale Mazzocchi are out injured and each for at least a month. New signing and Mexico World Cup legend Guillermo Ochoa should start in place of Sepe in goal.
Mamadou Coulibaly is a booking away from a ban.
Salernitana predicted XI vs AC Milan (3-5-2): Ochoa; Bronn, Daniliuc, Fazio, Sambia; Coulibaly, Bohinen, Vilhena, Bradaria; Dia, Piatek.
AC Milan predicted XI vs Salernitana (4-2-3-1): Tatarusanu; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Brahim, Leao; Giroud.
Salernitana vs AC Milan: When does the Serie A fixture start?
Salernitana vs AC Milan is the first game of the year in Serie A and kicks off on Wednesday, January 4 at 12:30 CET – local time in Milan. That makes it an 11:30 GMT kick-off for viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Serie A fans in the United States can tune in for Salernitana vs AC Milan at the early hours of 06:30 ET or 03:30 PT.
Salernitana vs AC Milan: What channel is the Serie A fixture on?
In the UK and Ireland, BT Sport 1 will be showing Salernitana vs AC Milan live on Wednesday morning.
For fans in the United States, Salernitana vs AC Milan will be on Paramount+ along with other key fixtures in Serie A Matchday 16.
