Paddy McNair rued a missed opportunity for Northern Ireland as their World Cup dreams were crushed by Italy.
The defender felt the hosts “were there for the taking” in their play-off semi-final in Bergamo, which ended in a 2-0 loss for Michael O’Neill’s men.
Northern Ireland frustrated Italy in the opening 45 minutes, but second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean set up a play-off final for the Azzurri next Tuesday with Bosnia-Herzegovina, who overcame Wales on penalties in Cardiff.
McNair, 30, told BBC Sport NI: “It is gutting to be honest. I know Italy are a big nation. I have played against a lot of big nations before, and I think, at the moment, they are not at the level they once were.
“It is frustrating, I feel like they were there for the taking.”
‘Bright future’ for young NI side
It took two well-taken strikes to break down Northern Ireland’s defence and deny them a chance of a first World Cup finals appearance since 1986.
Newcastle midfielder Tonali put the four-time winners ahead with a stunning volley, before ex-Everton forward Kean fired low into the bottom corner.
“Tonali scores a good goal from the edge of the box, and it gives them a lift,” admitted Hull City’s McNair.
“The crowd was getting on their backs at times and we wanted to stay in the game as long as possible. The second goal killed the game off.
“We could have played the ball better at times. I thought times we played through the press and there was lots of space and I think we maybe rushed our attacks.”
Despite a valiant effort, O’Neill’s men struggled to create chances and had just one shot on target from their eight attempts.
Northern Ireland were missing key players such as Conor Bradley, Dan Ballard and Ali McCann through injury, with the average age of their side at just 22.5 years – the second-youngest since World War Two.
McNair was the only player in the starting line-up who played in their last major tournament, the 2016 Euros in France.
But he added the side had a “bright future” as they look to bounce back in a friendly against Wales on Tuesday.
“There is talent throughout the team,” said McNair.
“Players who didn’t get on the pitch tonight as well, there is a lot of strength and depth and I think Northern Ireland have a bright future to come.
“We have got a really young group, so there will be many years of this team and tonight we will learn from and go forward.”
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