Italy pip Brazil in rankings

Brazil have slipped from the top of the FIFA world rankings for the first time in more than four years, replaced by world champions Italy.

The five-time World Cup winners had been leaders for four years and seven months, but Italy have replaced them, reclaiming top spot for the first time since November 1993.

There is no other movement in the top eight, with Argentina, France, Germany, England, Holland and Portugal keeping their places.

Scotland are now 20th – up six places – following their table-topping start to the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

The Republic of Ireland climbed three to 46th and have gone ahead of Northern Ireland, who fell two places to 49th, while Wales dropped one place to 75th.

The Czech Republic move up one place to nine, while Spain – fresh from beating England 1-0 in last week’s friendly – return to the top 10 after a four-month absence.

Scotland have equalled their highest ever position in the FIFA world rankings after climbing six places to 20th in the new list.

Their rise, without playing a match in the past month, arises due to the complicated FIFA points system.

Points gained over the course of a year are included in full, however results from any preceding 12 months count only for 50%, with that figure decreasing to 30% for a third year and then 20% for a fourth year.

Teams who gained points at the African Nations Cup in January 2006 have duly taken a fall down the rankings, with Scotland among the main beneficiaries.

Walter Smith instigated Scotland’s rapid climb, with the team having been positioned 88th two years ago and 62nd a year ago.

Scotland sit top of their Euro 2008 qualifying group and face testing fixtures against Georgia and world champions Italy next month.

Head coach Smith departed last month to rejoin Rangers, with Alex McLeish appointed on a three-year contract as his successor.

Scotland have been ranked 20th before, in December 1999 and November 2000, when Craig Brown was national team boss.

FIFA introduced world rankings in 1993.