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Mc Cann has been ruled out of the play-off semi-final Ali Mc Cann 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. Mc Cann 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 Mc Cann on the sidelines along alongside Liverpool starlet Kieran Morrison, Jamie Mc Donnell 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. Build-up as Wales and Northern Ireland set for pivotal World Cup qualifiers Northampton coach Vesty questions England's identity Referee and VAR errors increase in Premier League Your first look at the new series of Race Across the World Phil Wang and Susie Dent challenge guests to coin new words The vital role forensic science plays in delivering justice Searching for answers decades on from an unsolved death 'Seconds from title but Ireland can take positives' Proud Cacace seeks Navarrete unification duel What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy? 'Now feels like the right time to start family' Saudi Pro League, the US or Europe - what are Salah's options? Man Utd come from behind twice but lose first leg to Bayern. Video Man Utd come from behind twice but lose first leg to Bayern Football Daily. Audio Football Daily 'Kicked to the kerb' - is boxing failing its heroes? £123 for a child's England kit - have prices gone too far? Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football. Video Fabregas, film stars and Disney: How Como are disrupting Italian football Where does Salah rank among greatest Premier League forwards? Salah's best goals for Liverpool. Video Salah's best goals for Liverpool How Scotland reached the World Cup - told by those who made it happen Football's great entertainers - ranking the biggest showboaters Has Aston Martin's Newey team principal project failed? F1 Q&A Keep Tudor? Go for De Zerbi, Mason or Redknapp? Where do Spurs go next? Dirt pitches, dodging dogs and choosing Chelsea - the making of Estevao Sexism in football - a problem that isn't going away Newcastle v the system - is Saudi 2030 vision unrealistic? Why in-form Fitzpatrick's game puts him among Masters favourites Are autograph hunters going too far? Three golds in 28 minutes - GB make history at World Indoors Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.