Jermaine Taylor (left) and Kevin Lamey stretch during a Reggae Boyz practice session at Boys' Town. Jamaica climbed 20 places in the FIFA ranking yesterday to 57th. - ricardo makyn

Jamaica jumped an amazing 20 places to 57th on FIFA's world list of footballing nations yesterday.

Jamaica played four games, winning three and losing one, since the last ranking in September.

Jamaica also regained the Caribbean's top spot as Trinidad and Tobago fell 24 places to 80th.

Meanwhile, world champions Italy have moved up three places to second overall, slashing Brazil's lead at the top.

Brazil have 1,560 points in the October rankings but their lead is down to just 20, after they slipped by 14 points and Italy gained an impressive 66.

Italy's rise meant the next three countries all lost one place with France now third, Argentina fourth and England fifth.

A bright start by World Cup hosts Germany to Euro 2008 qualifying has moved them up two places to sixth.