There are, it is said, lies, damn lies and statistics. And then there are the Fifa world rankings. Thus, with the boos of the Serravalle Stadium in San Marino still ringing in his ears, Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton can at least take a modicum of comfort in Ireland climbing three places in the latest list.

While a wretched performance has done little to instill confidence in Staunton's stuttering side, the 2-1 win was enough to lift Ireland ahead of Northern Ireland to 46th place. Lawrie Sanchez's side fell two places to 49th.

World Cup holders Italy have knocked Brazil off the top of the latest list for the first time in four and a half years.

Brazil, who won the 2002 World Cup but were eliminated by France in last year's quarter-finals, lost top spot after a 2-0 friendly defeat by Portugal last week.

Italy were last top in November 1993, just three months after rankings were introduced by the game's ruling body.

The rankings, which are used to determine seedings at international tournaments, are based on the results of the past four years with extra weight given to more recent matches.

Scotland have equalled their highest ever position after climbing six places to 20th in the new list. Their rise, without playing a match in the past month, arises due to the complicated points system.

England are unchanged in sixth place in the latest list, while Wales dropped one place to 75th.