7M - Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland: Paddy McNair says hosts not at the level they once were

Northern Ireland World Cup hopes ended in Bergamo as Italy beat Michael ONeills side 2-0 in the play off semi final.

Paddy McNair felt the hosts were there for the taking but said Italy are not at the level they once were, and it was gutting for Northern Ireland after the defeat.

Sandor Tonali and Moise Kean scored in the second half to set up an Italy play off final next Tuesday against Bosnia Herzegovina, who beat Wales on penalties in Cardiff.

McNair said Tonali scored a good goal from the edge of the box to lift Italy, while Keans second strike killed the game. He added Northern Ireland struggled to create clear chances despite eight attempts, with just one shot on target.

He also noted Northern Ireland were missing key players through injury including Conor Bradley, Dan Ballard and Ali McCann. The average age of the squad was 22.5 years, the second youngest since World War Two, and McNair was the only starter who had played in the 2016 Euros.

Despite the loss, McNair said there is a bright future for the young side, and they will bounce back with a friendly against Wales on Tuesday.