(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 6 - Italy have risen one place to sixth in
the latest monthly FIFA rankings despite their failure to
qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.
Roberto Mancini's men have leapfrogged Luis Enrique's Spain
despite their upset to North Macedonia that eliminated them from
the WC qualifiers.
Brazil still heads the standings ahead of Belgium and Argentina,
while world champs France are fourth ahead of England in fifth.
After Italy in sixth, the top ten is completed by Spain (7th),
Netherlands (8th), Portugal (9th) and Denmark (10th).
Italy's rise is mainly due to its good performance in the
Nations League, where it came top of a group containing Hungary,
Germany and England, which was relegated.
Of the top 20, Croatia rose three spots to 12th and Iran gained
two positions to 20th.
Serbia rose four spots to 21st.
The biggest loser was Noway, which dropped six positions to 42nd
despite having wonder striker Erling Haaland, who is breaking
records for fun after his move from Borussia Dortmund to
Manchester City. (ANSA).
Soccer: Italy up 1 to 6th for FIFA despite not getting to WC
Azzurri leapfrog Spain, Brazil still top