Spain still on top as Brazil, Italy rise

World champions Spain have retained their lead at the top of the FIFA world rankings, while Brazil and Italy have made significant ground.

Spain continue to hold down the number one spot courtesy of their unbeaten record in Euro 2012 qualifying which sees them top Group I by six points.

The Netherlands, runners-up in the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, are second.

Brazil have moved up two spots to reclaim a berth inside the top three, while Germany and Argentina have each fallen one place to fourth and fifth respectively.

England remain in sixth place.

Italy, 2006 World Cup champions, jumped two places to ninth to return to the top 10 after an absence of seven months.

Their improvement has come at the expense of Greece, who have fallen to 12th.

Some of the biggest movers inside the top 50 this month include Israel (33rd, up 25 places), Belgium (37th, up 25), Albania (50th, up 23) and Algeria (40th, up 15).