World Cup holders Italy have kept the top spot with 1,606 points in FIFA's monthly rankings they regained last month, soccer's ruling body said Tuesday.

Italy fended off a renewed challenge from Brazil, which leapfrogged Argentina back into second place in the May rankings.

The Azzurri had ended Brazil's four-year domination of the standings in February, and stayed top dog in March.

Few matches have been played recently so the other members of the Top Ten did not move in May.

Outside the leading group, Scotland moved up five slots to 14th, its best position since the rankings began in 1993.

The Scots are one of Italy's chief rivals in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, along with France and Ukraine.

Editro: Donald