Northern Ireland have suffered a significant blow ahead of their World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy with midfielder Ali McCann ruled out of the crucial clash in Bergamo. Manager Michael O'Neill had hoped the Preston player would recover from a knock sustained against Coventry City two weeks ago, but he has failed to regain fitness.

McCann was forced off in the first half of the Championship match after suffering two heavy challenges, with Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom describing the situation as 'not good' at the time. The injury represents another setback for Northern Ireland, who are already without Daniel Ballard due to a hamstring problem and Conor Bradley.

The squad depletion continues with Dion Charles, Kieran Morrison, Jamie McDonnell and Josh Clarke also unavailable for Thursday's game. Despite these absences, Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson retains his place in the 23-man panel as Northern Ireland prepare to face the Azzurri in what remains a must-win encounter for their World Cup hopes.