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Sunderland's Dan Ballard Out for Northern Ireland's Playoff Against Italy

3/23/2026

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Dan Ballard, Sunderland defender, will miss Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy after a hamstring injury sustained in a Premier League match on March 14.
Northern Ireland are also without Liverpool's Conor Bradley.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said Italy are favorites but have failed to qualify for two World Cups and plans to exploit pressure in Bergamo on Thursday, with a final against Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina possible.

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Story summary

Dan Ballard, Sunderland defender, will miss Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy after a hamstring injury sustained in a Premier League match on March 14.
Northern Ireland are also without Liverpool's Conor Bradley.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said Italy are favorites but have failed to qualify for two World Cups and plans to exploit pressure in Bergamo on Thursday, with a final against Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina possible.