CAIRO: Egypt slipped three spots down to hold 43rd position in this month s edition of the FIFA ranking for national team launched by the football governing body.

The African champions registered two goalless draws against Ivory Coast in a friendly and against Burundi in the 2008 African Nations Cup qualifiers.

At the top, world champions Italy retained their place at the summit after a goalless draw with France and a 2-1 victory over Ukraine in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

The Azzurri overtook Brazil s place despite the Selecao s three straight friendly victories over Algeria, USA and Mexico.