Injury-hit NI have 'capable replacements' - McCann
· Yahoo Sports
Northern Ireland midfielder Ali McCann said that the depth of the squad is "as good as it has been since I've been here" ahead of Thursday's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in Bergamo.
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NI are aiming to qualify for their first World Cup in 40 years but will be without key figures Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard, who are both sidelined through injury.
However, McCann believes that the side will be able to fill the leadership roles in their absence as they aim to advance to the play-off final against the winner of Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina's tie.
"It's a big loss for us, but we've known for a while that we're going to be without Conor. We were gutted for him," McCann said.
"We've just got to go again. We've got a really good squad throughout, and I think the depth that we've got is probably as good as it has been since I've been here.
"We've got capable replacements all over the pitch."
The sides last met in November 2021 with McCann one of just four players who began the 0-0 draw at Windsor Park.
That result denied Italy automatic World Cup qualification with the four-time champions then losing their play-off semi-final against North Macedonia.
"I would say that was probably the best atmosphere I've played in, at Windsor anyway. I remember my dad coming over and he said he was just blown away by it," McCann continued.
"We could have nicked it at the end, but we played really well that night. I think if you go off that, then there's no reason why we can't do something similar again.
"We frustrated them a lot that night and could have come away with more in the end. It was class."
'No reason why we can't go and get something'
Northern Ireland finished third in their World Cup qualifying group after three wins and three losses.
Despite being beaten both home and away against Germany in Group A, McCann believes the performances against Julian Nagelsmann's side will help them ahead of this play-off.
"We're in these games for a reason and there's no reason why we can't go and get something from it," the 26-year-old said.
"We know it's going to be probably one of the toughest games we've had, but we did well against Germany, particularly away.
"Since the draw came out, I've been looking forward to coming away here. I think playing in the World Cup is probably the pinnacle of any footballer's career."
Italy's squad is littered with experience and will be boosted by the return of Federico Chiesa after a two-year absence.
They also have a variety of options in midfield with Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli of Juventus amongst those included in the 28-man squad.
"I was checking the [Italian] squad when it came out and you see all the quality of players they've got throughout the squad," he continued.
"It's one of those games that you're just pleased to be a part of, playing against players at that level.
"It's really exciting more than anything, and there's nothing to lose on our part, so we're just looking forward to it more than anything."