[D-Kin]

Italy risk England World Cup draw Friday 23 November, 2007

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Italy could face England in 2010 World Cup qualifying after the latest FIFA rankings put them in separate pots for the draw.

The Azzurri are the reigning champions after their 2006 victory, but will have to go through qualifying anyway, as only hosts South Africa are guaranteed a place.

Roberto Donadoni’s side risk a tough draw, as England slipped out of the top 10 European sides and so will be second seeds in the draw on Sunday.

Scotland are also in the second seeds, so they too could once again be drawn against Italy after their Euro 2008 tussle.

The Nazionale are set to be one of nine seeded teams along with Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Holland, Croatia and Greece.

There will be nine groups for the 53 European sides competing – eight of six teams and one of five. The group winners automatically qualify for the finals and the best eight runners-up enter play-offs.

“It’s a good compromise solution, because I wasn’t really happy with the format for the last qualifying competition with groups of seven and eight teams,” explained UEFA President and former Juventus legend Michel Platini.

Italy remain third in the FIFA world rankings despite top side Argentina’s 2-1 loss to Colombia this week, although the gap has closed. Brazil are still in second place.

FIFA world rankings:
1 Argentina 1523
2 Brazil 1502
3 Italy 1498
4 Spain 1349
5 Germany 1296
6 Czech Republic1290
7 France 1243
8 Portugal 1241
9 Holland 1170
10 Croatia 1129

channel4.com - Football Italia