Northern Ireland's McCann out of Italy semi-final

McCann has been ruled out of the play-off semi-final Ali McCann has been ruled out of Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo. Manager Michael O'Neill was hopeful that the Preston midfielder would be fit to face the Italians, but he has not recovered from the knock he picked up against Coventry City a fortnight ago. 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.

"He had two horrendous tackles on him," Heckingbottom told BBC Radio Lancashire. "It's looking like it's contact that's injured him at this moment. " 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.

O'Neill has whittled down his squad for Thursday's game with the experienced Dion Charles joining McCann on the sidelines along alongside Liverpool starlet Kieran Morrison, Jamie McDonnell and Josh Clarke. Blackburn Rovers defender Tom Atcheson though retains his place in the 23-man panel. Meanwhile, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has named his squad list for tonight's crucial game with former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca one of five players to miss out.

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.