BEIJING, Feb. 16 -- World Cup champion Italy ended Brazil's 55-month stay at the top of FIFA¡¯s world soccer rankings, taking the top spot for the first time since 1993.

    Although Italy's last match was in November, Brazil slipped to second place because of a 2-0 loss to eighth-ranked Portugal last week.

    In the list released Wednesday by FIFA, Italy had 1,562 points, 22 more than Brazil, and 27 more than third-place Argentina.

    The rest of the top eight remained unchanged with Argentina followed by France, Germany, England, the Netherlands and Portugal.

    The Czech Republic rose one spot to ninth, while Spain returned to the top 10 for the first time since October after a 1-0 friendly win at England.

    Scotland rose six places to 20th, making it the biggest jump in the top 25 along with No. 22 Ghana and No. 24 Uruguay.

    China rose four places to 79th.