Ali McCann will miss Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo. The Preston North End midfielder failed to recover from a calf injury in time for the fixture, according to the Irish Football Association. Manager Michael O'Neill confirmed the squad will travel to Italy without the 26-year-old on Thursday.
Northern Ireland face the reigning European champions at the Gewiss Stadium for a place in the play-off final. The winners of the tie will progress to meet either Turkey or Greece for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. McCann had been a regular starter during the qualifying campaign but remained at his club to continue rehabilitation, per Sky Sports.
O'Neill has not called up a replacement for the midfielder. The remaining 25-man squad arrived in Italy today to begin final preparations. Northern Ireland last reached a major tournament in 2016 and seek their first World Cup appearance since 1986. Italy enter the match as favourites following their third-place finish in their qualifying group.
