Italy 'not at the level they once were' - McNair

Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair said that Italy "were there for the taking" during the World Cup semi-final play-off in Bergamo, which Michael O'Neill's side lost 2-0. The away side frustrated Italy during the opening 45 minutes before second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean secured their place in the play-off final. Gennaro Gattuso's outfit will now face Bosnia-Herzegovina as they aim to book their spot in the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

"It is frustrating, I feel like they were there for the taking," McNair told BBC Sport NI. "I know Italy is a big nation. I have played against a lot of big nations before and I think, at the minute, they are not at the level they once were.

"It is gutting to be honest. " NI 'will learn from' defeat It took two well-taken strikes to break down Northern Ireland's defence and end their dream of making their first World Cup in 40 years. Tonali edged the former World Cup champions ahead through a stunning strike with Kean then firing low into the bottom corner.

Despite a valiant effort, Northern Ireland struggled to create chances in the final third and couldn't set up a nervy finish for the Italian fans. "Tonali scores a good goal from the edge of the box, and it gives them a lift," McNair continued. "The crowd was getting on their backs at times and we wanted to stay in the game as long as possible.