Ali McCann has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo. McCann was forced off in the first half of the Championship game with his club boss Paul Heckingbottom saying it was "not good" at the time. It is another setback for Northern Ireland after Daniel Ballard was also ruled out because of a hamstring injury and are already missing Conor Bradley. Scamacca, who had been training separately over the last few days, has not recovered in time from an adductor tear. Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso, goalkeeper Elia Caprile, defender Diego Coppola, and winger Nicolò Cambiaghi also miss out on the final squad.

Source: BBC March 26, 2026 15:44 UTC