Zurich, 2 Sept. (AKI) - The Italian national football team has risen to fourth place in the world, tied with Germany, in the rankings decided by football's highest governing body, FIFA. The Zurich-based organisation announced the changes on Wednesday.

Italy, the current FIFA World Cup champions, has struggled to regain the top ranking, currently held by Brazil with 1186 points, followed by Spain with 1588 points and the Netherlands with 1376 points.

The national team is currently in first place in the World Cup qualifying round valid for the 2010 World Cup due to be held in South Africa.

Italy is in the same qualifying group with the Republic of Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro and Georgia.

Italy held the top spot in world rankings in November 1993 and between February and September 2007.

The team has appeared in 16 World Cups and has won four championships, in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.