After an encouraging first half, Michael O’Neill’s men ran out of steam and Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean scored to book their place in a play-off final next Tuesday
It was a disappointing night for Northern Ireland in Bergamo as two second half goals killed off their chances of reaching the World Cup.
After an encouraging first half, Michael O’Neill’s men ran out of steam and Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean scored to book their place in a play-off final next Tuesday.
Here is how the Nothern Ireland players rated in Bergamo:
Pierce Charles 7 – Made a series of fine saves but was powerless to keep out Tonali’s hammer blow.
Trai Hume 8 – A rugged and clever performance from the Northern Ireland captain on the night.
Paddy McNair 7 – As assured as always, using his experience to rally his younger colleagues throughout.
Ruairi McConville 6 – Big night for the 20-year-old and he mostly stood his ground, only to get done for the second goal.
Terry Devlin 5 – Had a tough time up against Dimarco. Will have better nights in a Northern Ireland shirt.
Shea Charles 7 – Played some tidy stuff when he could, dug in with a lot of heart when he couldn’t.
Ethan Galbraith 6 – His normally reliable radar was off, coughing up possession a little too easily at times.
Justin Devenney 6 – Did the hard yards all night and used his left foot to effect when the situation allowed.
Brodie Spencer 6 – Safe and secure as he mostly shut down the left side of the pitch.
Isaac Price 4 – Struggled to get into the game. Did little with whatever ball came his way.
Jamie Donley 6- A thankless task as he hared around trying to unsettle the Italian defence with limited service.
Subs: Paul Smyth 6 (68) for Devlin, Jamie Reid 6 (79) for Spencer, Josh Magennis 6 (79) for Donley,
G Donnarumma 7, R Calafiori 7, N Bastoni 6 (F Gatti 7, 63), G Mancini 7, F Dimarco 7, S Tonali 7, M Locatelli 7, N Barella 7, M Politano 6 (M Palestra 6, 83), M Retegui 5 P Esposito 7, M Kean 8 (Raspadori 6, 88)
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