[World Rankings] Azzurri remain third

World champions Italy remain third in November's FIFA World Rankings, but they have closed the gap on leaders Argentina and second-placed Brazil.

Argentina's first defeat in their South American World Cup qualifying has allowed Brazil and Italy to close the gap at the top of the latest rankings, although the Albiceleste will take their slender advantage with them into the new year.

The Azzurri, who beat Scotland and the Faroe Islands this week to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2008 finals, are still top of the table of European nations meaning they will be amongst the top nine seeds for the qualifying section for the 2010 World Cup.

[World Cup 2010 Draw: European Seeds]

The latest table shows significant changes among the pursuing pack: Spain (4th, up 2) have opened a sizeable gap on the rest of the top ten, the Czech Republic (6th, up 3) have powered ahead after winning their Euro 2008 qualifying group, and resurgent European champions Greece (11th, up 3) are once again knocking at the top ten door.

The next ranking will be published on 17 December 2007.

World Top 10 (November 2007):
[1] Argentina, 1523 points
[2] Brazil, 1502
[3] Italy, 1498
[4] Spain, 1349
[5] Germany, 1296
[6] Czech Republic, 1290
[7] France, 1243
[8] Portugal, 1241
[9] Netherlands, 1170
[10] Croatia, 1129

[Full Rankings]

Source: FIFA