urget help required

Hi chaps

very sorry for the dual posting but it is a slow day in the GTA section and I am getting desperate.

I know I should have introduced myself before now but I am shy.
i have been lurking since SHMBO got herself a spider hence the log on name. I have now joined the ranks of Alfa ownership myself and have a nice GTA sportwagon.
Now I need you help
today I have lost all the gears, the control cable has come out of the ball joint on the gearbox.
my questions are:-
can i simply screw the thing back in without unscrewing the other end?
can the ball joint be pulled apart so it can be screwed back on?

if I get it back together, is there adjustments/ settings to be made, and how?

the lock nut is on the cable so I am assuming that would be the correct setting.

any help gratefully appreciated, as I have to pick up the boss in the morning!

many thanks