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.