Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Northern Ireland team news for World Cup qualifier in Italy

Northern Ireland will be without Jamal Lewis for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Italy.

Lewis has been ruled out with a groin injury for the massive Group C clash.

It is a late blow for Northern Ireland as they prepare to take on the Azzurri in Parma.

Also missing from Baraclough's match day squad is Dion Charles.

The Accrington Stanley striker hasn't made the 23-man panel but is expected to earn some game time in Sunday's friendly against the USA in Belfast.

Skipper Steven Davis will make his 125th appearance for his country tonight, equalling Peter Shilton's British caps record.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell will start in goals with Michael Smith, Craig Cathcart, Jonny Evans and Stuart Dallas making up the defence.

Baraclough has also named Corry Evans, Paddy McMair, Steven Davis and Ali McCann in midfield, with the two strikers getting the nod being Josh Magennis and Gavin Whyte

Northern Ireland team on UEFA's website (UEFA)

Despite UEFA's graphic (above), it remains unclear how Baraclough will line-up his team for the game, with 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 options having been favoured in the past.

Young Liverpool goalkeeper Liam Hughes is included on the bench alongside Conor Hazard.

LInfield striker Shayne Lavery is also included in the substitutes' bench, alongside Kilmarnock's recent new signing Kyle Lafferty.

Meanwhile, Italy have gone for a 4-3-3 formation with Domenico Beradi

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.